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The Socially Awkward Podcast

The Socially Awkward Podcast

By The Socially Awkward Podcast

We bring you real-life stories and heartfelt experiences from one of Singapore’s lesser-known and more enigmatic communities. From teens to young adults, representing numerous countries, and from various backgrounds, join Emma for a lively and insightful journey into the unique life of homeschoolers in Singapore.
Catch the all-new all episodes on Spotify every month with highlights from each episode on YouTube every week.


Podcast theme by axylumbeatz (instagram.com/axylumbeatz)
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Pandemic Productivity

The Socially Awkward PodcastMay 09, 2020

00:00
27:13
3 Years of The Socially Awkward Podcast

3 Years of The Socially Awkward Podcast

For the last time, "thank you for listening to The Socially Awkward Podcast."

The Socially Awkward Podcast turns 3, and we are taking a break. The podcast has seen John, Rebecca, and Emma through various life events, a huge collective one being the pandemic. Producing 1 episode per month during periods of Covid restrictions while juggling studies and personal life was never easy. However, the skills and memories that producing the podcast has brought are invaluable and will be forever treasured by everyone on the team.

We want to express our gratitude to everyone who helped make this podcast possible, including our families, team members, mentors, and guests!


Dec 03, 202257:40
Multicultural Musings

Multicultural Musings

Ethan has dialed in all the way from London where he is currently studying law. From topics like social clubs and making friends in University, to unpacking what "counts as racism", this podcast is jampacked from start to finish with every topic under the sun.

As a podcast that is mainly based in Singapore, hearing about the housing crisis in the UK, transportation and professor strikes, and street protests from Ethan has been nothing short of eye opening. Having lived in both Singapore, and now the UK, Ethan describes the different experiences he's had in these different multicultural societies.

Nov 05, 202249:36
When The Muscles Fail, The Mind Takes Over

When The Muscles Fail, The Mind Takes Over

"When you're boiling hot water, you don't see it boiling until it's boiled" Audrian shares with Emma all about their experience as an athlete who does sprint kayaking. Kayaking has helped Audrian grow to understand that progress in not linear and to navigate through various things like athlete burnout, having peers go on to join the  Canoe Sprint National Junior Team and "impostor" syndrome. They candidly share about how this sport has impacted their life in various ways, especially how it made them wrestle with the concept of gender identity. Audrian identifies as non-binary and uses they/them pronouns. 

Oct 01, 202240:17
Pickles For Dinner and Laundry Situations

Pickles For Dinner and Laundry Situations

"You go to the grocery store and mom is not there to go like: 'oh we're not buying that' "

Going to college at the height of the pandemic, all the way overseas was not easy for Anna. Having gone through the Singapore Public Education system, homeschooling, going to college, as well as being in between cultures, moving to Minnesota for college has really grown her a lot. She shares interesting college stories, talks about how she grew to like her accounting class, gaining confidence, and learning how to accept her Asian side as well as her white side.

Did you go to college? How did that experience make you grow as a person?

Sep 03, 202234:52
Do You Still Like "Playing" Dress Up?

Do You Still Like "Playing" Dress Up?

When we were kids, there was probably a time in our lives when we dressed up as fictional characters. Whether it was putting on a random white coat and pretending to be a doctor, or dressing up as Superman for Halloween. Well, is cosplay any different? Claire talks about how she got into cosplaying, why she cosplays, what to be aware of when joining the cosplay community, and how to start cosplaying yourself!

Whether you share Cayley and Claire's hobby of cosplaying or are just curious as to why some people do it, have a listen to this episode! There may have been some inaccurate preconceived notions that you have as it isn't something that people come in contact with often, but the best is to listen to what someone who cosplays has to say about it.

Aug 06, 202230:37
Content vs. Art: Media and the Music Industry

Content vs. Art: Media and the Music Industry

Back again on the podcast, Ethan updates Emma with his top 3 highlights as well as future plans! After deciding to dedicate more time to music, Ethan has released original songs (linktr.ee/ethantan) and has some exciting news regarding music school! As an independent artist, Ethan shares how Tiktok has given him new perspectives and opportunities, and how that has impacted him. With content and art inevitably coexisting in this day and age, Emma and Ethan share their thoughts on what exactly "art" is, and how the mishmash of the two has impacted the music industry, especially independent producers like Ethan.

Jul 02, 202246:36
The SAP Traffic Advisory: Navigating the Internet

The SAP Traffic Advisory: Navigating the Internet

All Gen-Zs born into the internet, Emma, Rebecca and Cayley share their different experiences growing up with the internet. They share about accidentally losing contact with a friend because of China's firewall, reading comics on the computer, and having to smack a box TV in order to watch something. While the internet has a multitude of positive aspects, the three of them highlight important issues like minors on tiktok, parents posting their children's faces online, how nuances of certain subjects are lost on particular platforms, and much more.

Did you grow up with the internet? What was your experience like?

Jun 04, 202245:44
Holding Onto The Hollywood Dream

Holding Onto The Hollywood Dream

"I'm not being hired to be a representation of Henry Golding, or whatever actor there is out there. I'm entering this industry because I'm being a representation of myself because I'm not represented in the industry." 

In this episode, Kevin shares with Emma how his love for acting started, and how his homeschooling experience and accumulation of life experiences led him to pursue acting in Los Angeles. It wasn't a straightforward or easy journey for Kevin, but he was determined to hold on to his dream. Now back in Singapore for a short break, Kevin shares the lessons he's learned in his line of work, how important it is for people to be comfortable in themselves and to define their own success.

May 07, 202236:35
The Giving Tree Giving Us An Existential Crisis

The Giving Tree Giving Us An Existential Crisis

Growing up reading the story The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein, Emma, Rebecca,  and Cayley take a deep dive and relook at the morals of the book. Considered the "most divisive piece of children's literature", the relationship between the Tree and the Boy is heavily debated, with multiple interpretations and understandings of the story. The three of them chat about this story in the context of a parent-child relationship, bring up the point that the emotions of the boy are not written about, and how we may be more similar to the boy than we'd like to think.

What is your interpretation of this story? How has it changed over time?

Apr 02, 202245:44
Chaotic Women's Day

Chaotic Women's Day

Have you had a moment in your life when you thought "wow, I'm really becoming like my mom"? With International Women's Day just around the corner, this episode is about all things "women". Cayley, Dani, Emma and Rebecca talk about expectations, harmful stereotypes, and intergenerational communication between women in the family. Regardless of your gender or how you identify, the truth of "being authentically you" remains. Understanding where others are coming from, and being able to have a good relationship despite differing views is not easy, and definitely a work in progress. This International Women's Day we want you to celebrate how far you've come, how much you've grown, and encourage you to press on as you try to be the most authentic you. 

Mar 05, 202237:27
The Hype In Hyperconsumerism

The Hype In Hyperconsumerism

Dishing out their hot takes, personal experiences and thoughts on hyperconsumerism, Emma, Cayley and Rebecca chat candidly in this episode. In a world where trends come and go so quickly, coupled with the pressure to maintain a certain kind of image, we get caught up in buying things that we don't need. These choices contribute to major problems like an excess of waste, particularly in the fashion and beauty industry. While we hold corporations accountable for their actions, we should also do our part as consumers. How can we change our mindset? Who influences us to make these decisions? What are some changes to our lifestyle that we can make? 

What IS the hype in hyperconsumerism?

Feb 05, 202253:47
The 2021 Team Year Recap

The 2021 Team Year Recap

From having to adapt quickly to changing Covid measures, to baking tomato cakes and eating spicy noodles unfazed, 2021 has definitely been an exceptional year for the team at The Socially Awkward Podcast. Go back in time with us as we recap our favorite podcast moments, fun behind-the-scenes moments, and hopes for 2022! To everyone who has been listening and being a part of the podcast, we sincerely appreciate you for sticking around and being the reason why we do what we do here. Happy New Year :)

Jan 01, 202246:20
Mapping My Future Study Path

Mapping My Future Study Path

How did Titus make the decision to study in Polytechnic, and specifically a Health Service Management course? What even is Health Service Management? In this episode, Titus shares with Cayley why he chose to go to Poly instead of Junior College, and how he got interested in physiotherapy. He addresses the differences and similarities between homeschooling and Poly and what he personally did to adapt to this new environment in this season of his life. 

Dec 04, 202134:46
Unconventional Creativity In The Creative Industry

Unconventional Creativity In The Creative Industry

"I am comparing myself to these creative people and I want to be like them, but at the end of the day that's not who I am and I'm not really happy so why force it"

In this episode, Natasha shares her journey of coming to terms with not being a stereotypical "creative" person working in the creative industry. Expressing herself best through excel sheets and point-form checklists, she's realized how drafting good emails and writing briefs involves just as much creativity as a stereotypical "creative" job.

Nov 06, 202126:41
Don't Call Me Outcast

Don't Call Me Outcast

In an episode touching on inclusivity and journeying with a sibling with special needs, Amanda shares a glimpse of life with her sister Amelia. Amelia was recently diagnosed with INAD (Infantile Neuroaxonal Dystrophy) an autosomal recessive disorder affecting 150+ kids worldwide and the only known case in Singapore. Despite her condition, Amelia is just like any other teenager who likes fashion, watching Netflix, and not doing her homework. Through this episode, Amanda emphasizes how seeing past the physical and embracing their personality and strengths can help us become a more inclusive community for individuals who need it most.

Oct 02, 202142:42
Under Pressure~ Overcoming Performance Anxiety

Under Pressure~ Overcoming Performance Anxiety

"Everybody has a different plate and threshold of pressure and anxiety, and it is not for us to pinpoint who is better or worse at it" Priscilla and Emma chat about their experience with performance anxiety and what they've learned from this journey of growth. Having studied at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, Priscilla shares her experiences as a student and how she collaborated with other like-minded individuals to start Artpeace, a youth organization with positive social impact.

Sep 04, 202132:26
Your Pets Deserve Better

Your Pets Deserve Better

"Animals are a responsibility that you cannot underestimate, in fact, I would overestimate the responsibility just to be on the safe side, to see if you really still want this." Both pet owners, Emma and Cayley talk about ethical pet keeping and how research is vital in assuring the quality (and not just quantity) of a pet's life. 

Aug 07, 202124:22
Mommy Said Don't Talk To "Strangers" Online

Mommy Said Don't Talk To "Strangers" Online

What happens when you move overseas to a new country and not long after, a global pandemic happens and no one can go out anymore? When life changes drastically and people come and go, it can be hard to stay connected with friends. In extraordinary times like this, Faith talks about how she has found a community online, and how platforms like Discord have helped her build and foster friendships.

Jul 03, 202123:20
A Filmmaker's Journey

A Filmmaker's Journey

Telling stories isn't difficult. Just ask Ee Hsien, whose first ever foray into the world of filmmaking and storytelling was through a simple six second Lego animation he created when he was just 11 years old. Since then he has gone on to create multiple stop motion videos, short films, and even a theatre production. Listen to him share about his self-taught journey into this wonderful world of filmmaking, how he creates meaningful characters, and perhaps most importantly, how he brings the community together through his creative endeavors. 

Jun 05, 202122:10
Embracing My Body

Embracing My Body

Many young people nowadays find themselves caught up in a never ending-cycle of trying to catch up to the latest fashion trends and beauty standards, set by runway models and Instagram influencers. But are we simply our physical appearance and clothing choice, or is there more to who we are as people? Rebecca and Dani talk about comments they've received about their bodies which led to insecurities, how they are overcoming these insecurities, and how we should see ourselves and others past our body and the things we wear. 

May 01, 202122:07
Can Homeschoolers Go To University?

Can Homeschoolers Go To University?

In this episode, Zoe sheds light on her experience applying and being accepted to a Singapore university without an accredited transcript from a single school. Hear her talk about some of the fascinating products she's designed, how to create a strong transcript, and what question she asked that caused her interviewers to argue. 

Apr 03, 202124:42
Mom & Dad, Let's Hangout!!

Mom & Dad, Let's Hangout!!

Being busy with homework and projects, even homeschoolers don't get to connect with their parents that often. So how can teens take the initiative to connect more effectively with their parents? In this episode, Hannah and Rebecca chat about their relationships with their parents, discovering love languages, family bonding activities and more.

Mar 06, 202120:52
Single Pringles Talk About The Big L

Single Pringles Talk About The Big L

SPOILER ALERT: relationships are more than just romance. In this episode, Rebecca and Emma talk about why relationships (with a partner, family member, or friend) can sour, red flags to look out for, the importance of boundaries, and how to repair your relationships before they fall apart. If you're looking at beginning a romantic relationship, the coaches have that base covered for you as well! Emma spills the tea on her deal-breaker character trait for having someone live with her, while Rebecca explains why you should be texting *that person* less.

Feb 06, 202128:39
Tea & Drama: The Socially Awkward Origins

Tea & Drama: The Socially Awkward Origins

To kick off 2021 the team takes stock of the past year of podcasting and producing! Hear about how Lego animals played a key role in the founding of the podcast, which two podcast members stayed walking distance apart for the past 4 years without knowing each other, and how "friendship osmosis" works. We also talk favourite episodes and moments, learning points and what the future may or may not look like for each one of us. If you've been one of our listeners from the start, we really want to thank you for being part of this journey with us, you're the reason why we do the things we do. Sending you finger hearts and encouragements as you kick start 2021 together with The Socially Awkward Podcast!

Jan 09, 202130:54
Watching Cloud Shadows

Watching Cloud Shadows

Change is scary, you're leaving the comfortable for the uncertain. But in that uncertainty, there is the promise of new beauty to discover and new lessons to be learnt. In her hosting debut, Rebecca speaks to Nehemiah about his move to the UK, why he initially was in denial about the move, and how he learnt to appreciate the small things despite the cold and the dark.

Dec 05, 202024:59
The Science Of Sound Wave Manipulation

The Science Of Sound Wave Manipulation

Have you ever thought about planting ideas in people's heads through sound waves? This isn't Inception, it's real life and you do it every time you talk to someone! In this episode of The Socially Awkward Podcast, Emma speaks to Aaron about his passion for communication and how it has led to him wanting to learn linguistics. Aaron will also be revealing some very practical tips and tricks for anyone to become a better communicator, because who doesn't want to be able to effectively plant thoughts in people's heads?

Nov 07, 202019:37
I Am Actually Not Okay

I Am Actually Not Okay

Digging deep into her past, Bronwyn opens up to Emma and shares sincerely about her struggle with mental health, what caused it, and how the people around have been helping her get back up onto her feet. We eat well, exercise often, and visit the doctor to ensure our bodies are healthy and our mental health shouldn't be any different. Hence Bronwyn will also be sharing about the activities that have helped her to remain calm during periods of stress. It's okay to tell people around you that you are actually not okay, and so The Socially Awkward Podcast has created a handy guide that will contain more essential information about mental health, whether it's for yourself or so that you can help a loved one. This guide will be released on our Instagram page so keep a look out for it there! 

Oct 03, 202024:50
What JC Taught Me About Failure

What JC Taught Me About Failure

Pressure. Keeping up with classmates around you. New environments. Ihsan and Emma talk about how being homeschooled prepared him for public school, and what making the transition to JC was like. Ihsan also breaks the stigma about being retained and opens up about how it has made him even stronger.

Sep 05, 202019:16
Dismounting The Pommel Horse

Dismounting The Pommel Horse

At one point in your life or another, you probably would have aspired to be a professional athlete; to stand under the lights, with a medal around your neck, and hear the crowds shouting your name. Ethan, a former national gymnast used to live that life; in this episode, he reveals the sacrifices and challenges behind the lights and the medals. Join Emma and Ethan to hear about how he coped with the mental stress, why he chose to leave competitive gymnastics, and how the new direction he is pursuing in life brings him meaning.

Aug 08, 202016:33
Faith, Family and Intentionality

Faith, Family and Intentionality

Pollyanna's family turns heads. In Singapore where 1 or 2 children is the norm, Pollyanna's parents have a whopping 7 children! Despite being so big, they're still not exempt from the normal problems and situations that are common to most households, however they do have some pretty unique challenges of their own. Join Emma as she talks to Pollyanna about the dynamics between her siblings, self-care time, and the major role faith plays in their lives.

Jul 11, 202028:06
Where Are You From? Yes.

Where Are You From? Yes.

In this episode, Emma talks with Ethan a fellow third-culture kid, about their experiences growing up overseas and reintegrating back into Singapore society. Join them as they ramble on about everything from identity, dogs, and finding your place in community. 




Jun 13, 202030:10
Pandemic Productivity

Pandemic Productivity

In this episode of The Socially Awkward Podcast, Emma talks with John, homeschool alumni and producer of the podcast, about how you can stay productive even if you're working or studying from home. With their array of study techniques, useful resources, practical advice, and John's crackhead periodic table mnemonics, you'll find out how to dangle your own carrot and blaze through your day in no time. 

May 09, 202027:13
Learning Without Borders

Learning Without Borders

In this episode of The Socially Awkward Podcast, Emma talks with Elizabeth who has lived in 4 countries on 3 continents about how she managed her education, the different sort of schooling environments she has been exposed to, and how learning is a mindset and a lifestyle. 

Apr 11, 202025:33
Leading Myself, Leading My Men

Leading Myself, Leading My Men

In this episode of The Socially Awkward Podcast, Emma talks with Shou En, formerly a sergeant in the Singapore Armed Forces, about his unique experience of going through Basic Military Training twice, how homeschooling prepared him to be a Sergeant, and the essential skills new enlistees need so they can survive and thrive. 

Mar 14, 202026:45
My Parent is my Principal

My Parent is my Principal

In this episode of The Socially Awkward Podcast, Emma talks with Weng Pheng and Serene, two homeschooling parents, about why they chose not to send their kids to mainstream school, how they're involved in their children's education, and why homeschooling is not as easy as it seems.

Feb 10, 202036:53
Relationships: A Dash of Intentionality

Relationships: A Dash of Intentionality

In this episode of The Socially Awkward Podcast, Emma chats with Dorothea Wong, the founder of Kallos about her homeschooling journey and her thoughts on friendship, love, and family. 


Jan 11, 202031:50