In case you haven’t noticed, podcasts have been growing in popularity over the past few years. As the world gets busier and people are more inclined to multitask, this format of audio content offers listeners greater flexibility to consume information or entertainment whenever and wherever they want, including while commuting, exercising, working, filing taxes and so on.
Unlike reading or watching a video, listening to podcasts don’t necessarily require setting aside time and attention. They’re also easily accessible via platforms like Spotify and iTunes, often at zero cost to listeners. We can go on about why podcasts are so popular, but we know you’d probably rather be spending your time listening to one.
On that note, we have rounded up a list of podcasts for wholesome and relatable content by fellow Malaysians. Topics and genres range from business and interviews to comedy and films, so there’s something for everyone.
Go Digital with Jason Low (Business)
Launched in 2019, Go Digital is an interview-based podcast by Jason Low, partner and director of Cap360 Ventures, an integrated digital consultancy. Aimed at educating Malaysians on the startup industry, Jason speaks to entrepreneurs and business owners to learn the insides of the trade and help listeners grow their business through digital transformation. He also interviews professionals on tech and digital trends to provide valuable insights and solutions. Previous guests on the show include Yeoh Chen Chow of Fave and Amelia Tan of Getha Bedding, to name a few.
Table Talk (Life, business and pop culture)
The brainchild of the minds behind the YouTube channel, The Ming Thing (TMT), Table Talk is the podcast version of one of the three segments under the talk show, The Takeaway Table. Typically hosted by two brothers, Ho Ming Han and Ho Ming Yue, it encompasses a wide range of topics including social issues, pop culture, relationships and modern life, with a target audience of Millennials and Gen Zs.
Table Talk is available on Spotify and YouTube (video), with new episodes out on Mondays.
Head Over Heels (Women empowerment)
Like Table Talk, Head Over Heels is brought to you by the The Takeaway Table team. Hosted by TV and radio host, presenter and fitness coach Maggy Wang, the podcast explores what it means to be a modern Asian woman, covering body image, social issues, mental health struggles and more. It aims to be a safe space for women to share real life experiences and personal struggles – a recipe for laughter and tears, sometimes both at the same time.
Head Over Heels is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube (video), with new episodes out biweekly on Thursdays.
Hello Mentor! (Interviews)
Started by the founder and CEO of Wobbjobs, Derek Toh, Hello Mentor! Is another interview-style podcast covering success stories and career tips. Expect raw conversations with individuals from various industries on their ups and downs, as well as practical advice on how to progress in your own career. Guests on the podcast have included Olympic figure skater Julian Yee, digital creator cum entrepreneur Bella Kuan and Wanderlust founder Jenn Low, to name a few.
Hello Mentor! is available on Spotify.
The Macha Men (Comedy)
On a lighter note, you’re in for a good laugh with comedians Kavin Jay and Keren Bala Devan of The Macha Men podcast. Their names are no strangers to frequenters at local comedy clubs and stand-ups around KL, but since live shows are hard to come by these days, fans will have to catch their unique perspectives on anything and everything on their podcast. If you’re looking for friendly banter, contagious laughter or conspiracy theories of local events to get you through the day, this is the podcast for you.
The Macha Men is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and PodBean.
The HUSTLR Podcast (Finance)
As its name suggests, HUSTLR is a podcast for the hustlers, specifically those looking for side gigs and making money online. Hosted by self-made entrepreneur Jeremy Ong, who founded VapeClubMY, the podcast discusses various types of side hustles and ways to generate passive income with insights from individuals in e-commerce, blogging, real estate and more. Note: although the channel has not been updated since December 2020, it currently has 69 episodes to inspire your side hustle journey.
The HUSTLR Podcast is available on Spotify.
BFM: Popcorn Culture (Movies)
Cinephiles may find a new pastime in tuning into Popcorn Culture, a podcast by local radio station BFM. Hosted by radio presenters Lee Chwi Lynn, Sharmilla Ganesan and Arvindh Yuvaraj, the podcast offers carefully researched, unadulterated reviews of films and TV series, including the latest box office hits and classics alike, underscored with curious anecdotes and the occasional friendly banter. With each episode averaging about 20 minutes, one can easily “binge listen” the trio’s take on Emily in Paris, Wonder Woman 1984, Zack Snyder’s Justice League and more in one seating.
BFM: Popcorn Culture is available on Spotify and the BFM website.
Mamak Sessions (Life, interviews and pop culture)
Hosted by YouTuber, content creator and former radio announcer Jin Lim (aka Jinnyboy), Mamak Sessions is a podcast that explores topics that would come up at a mamak stall – in other words, everything under the sun. From a raw conversation with cancer survivor Jared Lee to dialogue with a frontliner on the Covid-19 vaccine to bitcoin and cryptocurrency, this podcast appeals to the general listener who’s keen to keep up to date on who’s who and what’s what.
Mamak Sessions is available on Spotify.
BFM: Popcorn Culture is available on Spotify and the BFM website.