Photo: Courtesy of The Borak Minda Podcast/MindaKami
Cover Photo: Courtesy of The Borak Minda Podcast/MindaKami
From mental health to current issues, thought-provoking discussions are at the heart of these podcasts by local creators Thumbnail image: @themaggywang on Instagram 

Head Over Heels

Hosted by fitness coach and radio presenter Maggy Wang, Head Over Heels is a biweekly podcast that broaches real and honest conversations about issues affecting women, from entrepreneurship and finance to sexual health, body positivity and motherhood. The show has featured guests like Wanderlust + Co founder Jenn Low, content creator Jenn Chia and fitness guru Siu Lim, among others.

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcast or on YouTube.

Related: 4 Design Documentaries To Watch During Lockdown

The Borak Minda Podcast

Above Video: MINDAKAMI/YouTube

This valiant podcast by the Malaysian Youth Mental Health Initiative (MindaKami) tackles mental health issues in a more accessible and casual way without downplaying their importance. Topics in this podcast range from how mental health is portrayed in films and television to the effects associated with common disorders. The show is hosted by Zulaikha Mohamad, a King's College London Master's student and features a different mental health expert or medical professional in each episode. 

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts or YouTube.  

Related: 4 Apps For Mental Health Support At Home

The Ezra Zaid Project

If you find joy in finding the meaningful and noteworthy moments in everyday life, don't miss an episode of activist and radio presenter Ezra Zaid's podcast, which debuted in November 2020. Streaming fortnightly, the show unravels poignant stories hidden in plain sight, showcasing the strength of individuals on their respective journeys of discovery and adversity.

"I think maybe it's come about from all the things I miss: that connection, that interaction; probably right now, [podcasts] are the best form of travel," Ezra mused when he teased about the new podcast in an Instagram post.  

You never quite know what you're going to hear from Ezra and his co-presenters on the show; each lively episode takes on a life of its own, with topics ranging from 'Life's Most Important Resource (Not Money)'  to 'We Talk About Aliens!'. 

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts or Pocket Casts.   

Like Mother, Like Son: Ezra Zaid and Datin Suliana Shamsuddin

What's Up With That

Above Video: What's Up With That/YouTube

A podcast that addresses current affairs and issues relevant to men today, What's Up With That features a variety of articulate guests talking about everything from taxes to Covid-19 vaccines. Host Jason Desmond doesn't hold back on tackling interesting and informative issues shaping the modern man today.

Listen on Google Podcasts or YouTube.

Related: 4 Tips On Staying Positive in 2021

The Hello Mentor! Podcast

Tatler Asia
Photo: The Hello Mentor! Podcast by Derek Toh

Even in lockdown, keep yourself connected to insights, advice and real-life experiences shared by successful individuals from different industries and backgrounds in this uplifting show hosted by Derek Toh, founder of WOBB and Hiredly.com. To date, Hello Mentor! has featured guests such as songstress Zee Avi, figure skater Julian Yee, and Datin Dian Lee

Listen on PodBean, Spotify or YouTube.     

See also: 7 Success Tips Every Young Entrepreneur Should Know

Mamak Sessions

Above Video: JinnyboyTV Hangouts/YouTube

Host Jin Lim a.k.a Jinnyboy sheds light on a range of topics, some lighthearted and others weightier, with his signature bubbly persona and wit. From guest talks on how to buy properties in Malaysia to eye-opening interviews with celebrities like Lukas Graham, Mamak Sessions recreates the familiar teh tarik-infused atmosphere we've all come to miss while delving into the relevant issues of today. 

Listen on PodBean, Google Podcasts or YouTube.

More: Social Media Star Jessica Wang Talks About Her Digital Influence On Instagram & TikTok
 

Seek To Speak

Founded by Malaysian Institute for Debate and Public Speaking instructor Ain Aissa, this witty and laidback biweekly podcast aims to help listeners boost their confidence and ability to verbalise their ideas and stories while broadening their understanding of current affairs and pertinent issues. Some episodes have featured prominent guests such as squash athlete Datuk Nicol David and parliamentarian Syed Saddiq.   

Listen on Spotify, Red Circle, Google Podcasts or YouTube.

Related: 5 Steps To Effective Public Speaking According To Roopi Mohandas Lakhiani

Being Human

Relate Malaysia is a non-profit organisation dedicated to improving awareness of mental health services and advocacy in Malaysia, founded by clinical psychologist and researcher Dr Chua Sook Ning. In this podcast, she dives into the universal problems we face as humans and the steps we can take to achieve a more meaningful life, especially in lockdown. This podcast has featured outspoken mental health advocates, from Malaysian princess Tengku Iman Afzan of the Green Ribbon Group and mental health professionals to politician Hannah Yeoh and comedian Kavin Jay

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcast or Google Podcasts.

More: 8 Malaysian Advocates Of Mental Health

The Table Talk Podcast

Above Video: TableTalk Takeaway/YouTube

Table Talk is brought to you by Ming Han and Ming Yue, the hilarious brothers and YouTube sensations known collectively as The MingThing. In this podcast, the duo use humour as just another tool to ignite deeper conversations about life and matters of business, social media, 'adulting', arts and anything else relevant to young KL urbanites today. If you want to hear real opinions about a heavy topic, check out episode #111 titled 'Death In A Pandemic: Our Thoughts And Dealing With Grieving Loved Ones'.  

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcast Google Podcasts or YouTube.

The CityMaker by Think City

If urban regeneration, sustainable cities and heritage preservation in Malaysia interest you, The CityMaker by Think City podcast will not disappoint. Catch thought-provoking episodes featuring urban planning experts, sustainability warriors and NGO and corporate leaders both in Malaysia and abroad who discuss about how better urban planning can empower communities across Malaysia. The show is hosted by The CityMaker's editor Matt Armitage and managing editor Maya Tan.

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcast or Google Podcasts.        

Related: The World's First Hijab-Wearing Pro Wrestler, Nor 'Phoenix' Diana On Facing Life's Toughest Blows

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