New series, long-running interviews, fashion and tech. Your ears will thank you

By ROHAIZATUL AZHAR

Here’s what we’ve discovered: While listening to your playlists on Spotify can help to fill time, a good podcast can help you get through the most miserable tasks. Whether you’re tending to your urban garden in your balcony (like our CEO), or stuck on a long commute (like me), or just generally bored, there’s really no scenario that popping in your headphones and listening to a podcast cannot save. Besides, doesn’t it feel like everyone, and their mothers are suddenly talking about the new things they’ve learned from listening to some podcast episode? 

So, we’ve decided to round up some of our favourite series - interviews, reenactment of popular crime stories, fashion discussions - that we feel you will ultimately enjoy.

The Business of Fashion Podcast

What is it about? As a fashion e-commerce, of course we will highlight some of the best series to listen to. The Business of Fashion’s podcast is really a resource for fashion creatives, executives and entrepreneurs. However, those who are into fashion, in general, will find the wide range of people and topics featured in the different episodes pretty interesting. Think Kim Kardashian West talking to Imran Ahmed, the founder of BOF, about building her influence and beauty empire despite her “only famous for being famous” status. Her response to that - “What does it matter?” she asks. “I never got that”. 

Why you should listen? The interviews with business owners, up-and-coming designers, and fashion insiders. I like how some of the interviews are really in-depth and Imran Ahmed is really good at what he does - asking the right questions without being too intrusive. Noted fashion journalist, Tim Walker, also makes a couple of notable appearances talking to big designers, including John Galliano on creativity in the digital age, or commenting on the fashion industry, in general, during fashion week. 

Second Life by Hillary Kerr

What is it about? Hosted by Hillary Kerr, who is the co-founder of style website Who What Wear, each episode sees her talking to different women - in all fields - about their second life. Basically, it chronicles how a career changes can come at any age. Kerr has spoken to Eva Chen, former editor at Lucky and currently Instagram’s director of Fashion Partnerships, actress Michelle Pfeiffer, as well as celebrity stylist-turn-fashion-mogul Rachel Zoe. Each episode lasts anywhere between 40 minutes and an hour, so it is really good to fill your time on your commute to work or from work to home. In general, Kerr does a great job of pulling out the stories of amazing accomplished women to find out what created their success.

Why you should listen? What I really like about this series is that the interview feels like a conversation between friends. So, basically, you are listening in on the intimate details of the career or personal growth stories of these women - whether they are celebrities or not. Who knows, listening to an episode (like with Jennifer Lopez, or Rachel Zoe) can inspire you to pursue your passion or dream now?

The Bite by Esquire Singapore

What is it about? The series is hosted by Esquire Singapore’s editor-in-chief, Norman Tan, alongside TV host Anita Kapoor, fashion and teach consultant, Debra Langley, as well as entrepreneur and founder of BioOnics Ben Hopkins. In general, The Bite aims to foster critical thinking among listeners through discussions of hot topics and current affairs, such as male suicide and depression, as well as what is trending in the world of fashion. THE FIFTH COLLECTION’s founders, Nejla and Michael, were featured in an episode on the pros and cons of starting a business with your partner. <LISTEN HERE>

Why you should listen? There are some good insights being shared, especially by Anita Kapoor and Debra Langley. It is always interesting and refreshing to hear somewhat honest conversations happening around taboo topics (within Asian communities) such as masculinity and mental health.

In the Vitrine by Nadya and Dani

What is it about? Fashion researchers and lecturers at the School of Fashion at LASALLE College of the Arts Singapore, Nadya Wang and Daniela Monasterios Tan, discusses the business, culture and pleasures of historical and contemporary fashion, and the roles they play within the Singapore context. Topics of discussion include fashion weeks and its relevance, the use of plastic in fashion, as well as fashion exhibitions around the world. 

Why you should listen? This is a relatively new series - it started a couple of months back. However, Dani and Nadya are both experts in their field and thus able to discuss topics not only based on facts but also through their own personal experiences. The topics discussed are also pretty current and they’re good at explaining key terms and concepts so you will not find yourself lost while listening. They are, after all, great lecturers of fashion.

The Dropout

What is it about? If you’re already a big fan of investigative journalism podcast, Serial, you will love The Dropout as well. Based on the true story of Elizabeth Holmes, founder of the blood-testing star-up Theranos, and how she became the youngest self-made billionaire (Theranos was once valued at US$9b), and then lost it all in a blink of an eye. The six-episode series chronicles the three-year long investigation and provide exclusive interviews with key witnesses, investors, employees and patients, and is narrated by ABC News chief business, technology and economics correspondent Rebecca Jarvis. 

Why you should listen? Because don’t you want to know how the woman once proclaimed as "the next Steve Jobs" found herself facing criminal charges -- to which she pleaded not guilty -- and up to 20 years in jail? Or how did her technology, meant to revolutionise healthcare, potentially put millions of patients at risk? Basically this is a great podcast to listen to, especially when you think about how so many smart, rich and powerful people get it so wrong. 

Other great podcasts to listen to:

The 3.55 

Yes, this is a digital project by Chanel and is hosted by journalist Daphné Hézard. It features conversations with friends of the house like Pharrell Williams, Sofia Copolla and the likes.

The Cut On Tuesdays

The series aims to bring women's voices on culture, style, sex, politics, and people. One of our favourites is an episode with Tamara Mellon, co-­founder of Jimmy Choo, which she sold in 2011 and has since founded her own shoe website with her own designs. The candid interview, with The Cut’s editor in Chief, Stella Bugbee, is enlightening and endearing with Mellon talking about starting her professional life over again at 44, her journey to sobriety, and how to manage anxiety.

Are you already listening to these podcasts? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! Also, if you have favourite podcast series that you’re currently listening to, do share them with us! We want to know (and listen to) them, so that we can also enjoy them.