Saturday Mornings

🌍On MoneyFM 89.3’s International News Review, Steve Okun  joins Saturday Mornings Show host Glenn van Zutphen. Who really controls critical wartime technology? Can energy exports become geopolitical weapons? And is political advertising now the most important battlefield in American democracy? First, Ukraine says restrictions on Starshield, the military version of Elon Musk's satellite communications network, remain in place despite claims from US President Donald Trump that service has been restored. Ukrainian officials report ongoing disruptions affecting drone operations and battlefield communications, highlighting an uncomfortable reality: what happens when a privately owned technology platform becomes a critical component of modern warfare? The discussion examines the growing influence of tech billionaires in international conflicts and the implications for national sovereignty and military strategy. Next, Indonesia sends a strong message to its trading partners, warning that it may reconsider energy exports to countries that "disrespect" the nation. While no country was specifically named, Singapore remains one of Indonesia's key natural gas customers. As resource nationalism gains momentum worldwide, Glenn and Steve explore whether this represents a negotiating tactic, a broader geopolitical shift, or a sign that countries rich in natural resources are becoming increasingly willing to leverage energy supplies for strategic influence. The conversation then shifts to the United States, where billions of dollars are flooding into midterm election advertising. With competitive races in states like Ohio and Texas commanding unprecedented spending levels, are political campaigns becoming contests of ideas or simply contests of resources? Glenn and Steve analyze whether massive advertising spending still changes votes in today's fractured media environment and what these record expenditures reveal about the state of American politics. And a priceless globe linked to General Dwight Eisenhower, complete with original markings from Eisenhower and General Omar Bradley, was reportedly damaged during an attempted move inside the Pentagon. The historic artifact suffered significant damage after staff lost control of it during relocation. The irony? A globe representing decades of military history becoming a casualty of bureaucracy, logistics, and perhaps too much enthusiasm for office redecorating.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

🌍MoneyFM 89.3’s Saturday Mornings Show host Glenn van Zutphen goes off-shore with Lisa Mead, the globally travelled superyacht chef whose career has taken her from Queensland to the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and luxury vessels serving royalty, heads of state, and celebrities. Lisa shares what it really takes to thrive as a superyacht chef: cooking in tight galleys during storms, adapting menus on the fly, and managing high‑pressure expectations from VIP guests. She recounts the time she was attacked by pirates in the Caribbean, the night she found herself on a sinking yacht, and the unforgettable sing‑along with Pete Townshend of The Who. We also explore her new course, Introduction to Cheffing on Superyachts, designed for land‑based chefs who want to transition into the industry. Lisa explains the differences between land and sea kitchens, the destinations she’s worked in, and why superyacht cheffing demands creativity, resilience, and leadership.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

🌍MoneyFM 89.3’s Saturday Mornings Show host Glenn van Zutphen sits down with Daniel Tham, Principal Curator of the Singapore History Gallery at the National Museum to discuss its first full transformation since 2006. The gallery reopened on 10 October 2026, unveiling a people‑centred narrative spanning more than 700 years of history, immersive multimedia spaces, and newly acquired artefacts.  He led the 11‑month revamp shaped by community feedback from over 160 participants and guidance from a 12‑member academic panel. Daniel explains why the gallery is now anchored on the question “Who are we?”, and how identity, multiculturalism, and lived experiences form the backbone of the refreshed exhibition. We explore highlights across the seven zones from maritime beginnings to independence to contemporary Singapore including a restored 1970s HDB lift, the iconic Singapore Stone, Zubir Said’s piano, and interactive stations that let visitors contribute their own reflections. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

🌍MoneyFM 89.3’s Saturday Mornings Show host Glenn van Zutphen sits down with Daniel Kwa, alumnus of The Purple Parade Leadership Development Programme and a 2026 organising committee member to spotlight one of Singapore’s most meaningful ground‑up movements: The Purple Parade, the national platform championing inclusion and celebrating the abilities of Persons with Disabilities. This year’s event has been postponed to early 2027 due to the current hazardous haze in Singapore, with organisers prioritising the safety of participants and caregivers.  Daniel shares his journey from Pathlight School to ITE, Singapore Polytechnic, NTU, and now a professional role in data‑centre operations at a local bank. It's a story of resilience, determination, and breaking assumptions. We explore how the Leadership Development Programme equipped him with confidence, communication skills, and the ability to take on high‑visibility public roles. Daniel also reflects on workplace inclusion, navigating corporate expectations, and why the Purple Parade’s “5 Cs” of Campaigns, Carnivals, Concerts, Contingents, Conversations matter more than ever.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

🌍On MoneyFM 89.3’s International News Review, Steve Okun  joins Saturday Mornings Show host Glenn van Zutphen to break down a week where Southeast Asia’s haze crisis collided with political theatre, energy geopolitics, and a very awkward moment in Washington. Singapore has taken the unprecedented step of issuing legal notices to seven Indonesian companies linked to fires driving the toxic haze blanketing the island. It's a move allowed under the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act and one that carries real diplomatic weight. Meanwhile, East Kalimantan governor Rudy Mas'ud is facing backlash for travelling to Singapore during the crisis, as fires continue to rage across Borneo.  Malaysia, for its part, says it simply wants “a good chat,” with no plans for legal action underscoring ASEAN’s familiar struggle to act collectively. Then to global energy politics, where Taiwan says it’s making progress on Alaska LNG, after President Trump declared the island would buy 30% of its output, a statement that sent markets scrambling and diplomats clarifying. And finally, Washington’s newest headline: Katie Zacharia, the White House press secretary is out in record time. She admitted that she’s “not a lawyer,” after fielding legal questions she wasn’t prepared for. It sparked a debate about competence, communication, credibility, and what President Trump's vetting process for such an important role.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

🌍MoneyFM 89.3’s Saturday Mornings Show host Glenn van Zutphen talks with Maureen Fan, CEO and co‑founder of Baobab Studios about how the 10X Emmy‑winning, Oscar‑nominated powerhouse is redefining storytelling at the intersection of animation, gaming, and AI. Maureen shares how Baobab blends top Hollywood creative talent (who were responsible for all four Madagascar movies, ANTZ, Moana, and other major franchises) with cutting‑edge machine learning to build immersive worlds for Gen Z and Gen Alpha. These audiences expect interactivity, emotional depth, and constant evolution. We explore Maureen's leadership journey from overseeing 40% of Zynga’s revenue and helping take the company public, to building Baobab into one of the most influential studios in next‑gen entertainment. She breaks down the convergence of Hollywood and gaming, why AI is transforming narrative design, and why Singapore is emerging as a strategic hub for AI‑driven creativity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

🌍On this F1 Weekend in Singapore MoneyFM 89.3’s Saturday Mornings Show host Glenn van Zutphen talks with Kabir Anurag, the 19 year-old Singaporean Formula Regional racing driver and Alpine Academy talent. This extraordinary young man shares what life is really like behind the paddock gates, on the race track at 300km/per hour, the brutal training, the dangers, and the sacrifices. We explore how young drivers navigate pressure, funding, performance expectations, and the mental resilience required to compete at the highest levels of junior formula racing. He also reflects on what it means to represent Singapore in a sport where Southeast Asian drivers are still rare, and how the Alpine Academy is shaping the next generation of global motorsport talent.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

🌍On World Health Day, MoneyFM 89.3’s Saturday Mornings Show host Glenn van Zutphen talks with  mental health advocate and author, Andrea McKenna Brankin with her practical, deeply local guide to improving your mental wellbeing in Singapore. We explore six powerful, accessible practices: Meditating at the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple; slowing down through forest bathing on the Botanic Gardens’ certified Nature Immersion Trail; experiencing sound therapy or barefoot grounding in NParks’ Therapeutic Gardens; decompressing at Sembawang Hot Spring Park; taking device‑free coastal walks along East Coast, Pasir Ris or Changi; and engaging in horticultural therapy or mindful crafting to calm an overstimulated mind. Andrea explains why these practices work from lowering cortisol to improving immune function and why Singapore’s unique blend of nature, culture, and community spaces makes it one of the best cities in the world for mental wellness, if we choose to use it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

🌍On World Health Day, MoneyFM 89.3’s Saturday Mornings Show host Glenn van Zutphen talks with SCWO CEO Koh Yan Pin and Dr Sherry Aw from James Cook University Singapore, co‑authors of a new landmark study examining the mental wellbeing of midlife women. Surveying nearly 500 women, the study reveals a stark reality: workplace stress, family conflict, relationship challenges, and caregiving responsibilities form a cumulative pressure cooker that significantly increases symptoms of anxiety and depression. Many respondents reported mental health struggles that have gone unaddressed for years often because they are too busy supporting everyone else. We explore why midlife women are the backbone of Singapore’s workforce and families, yet rarely the focus of mental health policy. What does this mean for an ageing population? For employers? For national wellbeing?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

🌍On MoneyFM 89.3’s International News Review, Steve Okun  joins Saturday Mornings Show host Glenn van Zutphen and begin with Singapore’s hazardous haze, now thick enough to threaten Formula One weekend plans and spark fresh debate about climate catastrophe, regional accountability, and whether Southeast Asia is prepared for a future of permanent smoke seasons. Then to Riyadh, where three Saudis were killed at the airport in a Houthi attack just as Pakistan sends troops to support Saudi security. Steve explains how this escalates the Yemen conflict, reshapes Gulf alliances, and raises questions about regional stability. Next: a political firestorm in the U.S., after Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth pushed to live stream the execution of Nidal Hasan by firing squad on live TV. Debates about extremism, media responsibility, and the boundaries of public discourse are in focus. And finally, Singapore’s own cultural whiplash: Five Guys closes its ION Orchard outlet, while Luckin Coffee continues its explosive expansion with 100 stores. What does this say about consumer trends and soft power?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.