Advertise on podcast: Talkback

With the slew of new technology hitting the market, like the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max having launched on September 9th, alongside Android rivals like the Google Pixel 11 and Samsung Galaxy S26 FE, we got to thinking about the reasons why some people upgrade and why some hold on to their old tech. So we ask our listeners: How old is your current phone? Are you someone who likes to upgrade their tech frequently? Image Credit: Pexels See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Budget 2027 is just around the corner, and we thought it would be the perfect time to talk about what the government should prioritise that will actually benefit everyday Malaysians. So we ask our listeners: What do you want out of Budget 2027, what would actually make a difference to you? Image Credit: Pexels See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following Sepang's grand but one-off return to the Formula 1 calendar this past weekend, conversations have been brewing about the feasibility and possibility of Formula 1 returning to Malaysia for good despite its RM300 million cost. So we ask our listeners: Do you want F1 to return to Malaysia permanently? And, are there other major events you’d like Malaysia to host?Image Credit: EPA Images See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With air quality still unhealthy in parts of the Klang Valley and several events already cancelled over haze concerns. Major events like F1 in Sepang and the KL Marathon still continue, with the former getting a record number of ticket sales. From skipping runs and golf games to altering your daily commute, we ask how much the haze is actually changing your plans.Image Credit: EPA Images See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The debate follows comments from UMNO's Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, who wants films and dramas depicting bullying to stop, arguing they could encourage copycat behaviour. He said this after the death of a Form Two student in Kuala Pilah allegedly assaulted by a senior. We open the lines to ask our listeners: Do artists, filmmakers and writers owe society a good moral message? Do we expect them to set a good example? Image Credit: Pexels See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A US recruiter has gone viral on TikTok after saying job candidates shouldn’t bring iced coffee to an interview because it can make them look too casual. It’s sparked a bigger debate about workplace etiquette, so we want to know: what’s one workplace behaviour you would ban, and one you wish more people would do or bring back?Image Credit: Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dato Seri Najib Razak has been granted a conditional pardon allowing him to serve the remainder of his SRC International sentence under house arrest until August 2028, once he pays a RM50 million fine. UMNO has raised almost RM1 million in their solidarity fund to help Najib out with this. So in this episode, we attempt to get a sense of how popular Najib remains among Malaysians, and get insights on this from Aziff Azuddin, Associate Researcher at IMAN Research. We also ask our listeners: How do you feel about Najib Razak, and his house arrest? Image Credit: Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Communications and Multimedia Content Forum of Malaysia has opened a 45-day nationwide public consultation on its proposed gaming sub-code in order to set industry wide standards that developers can use to make their games safer. We speak to Mediha Mahmood and Syamil Abdul Samad from Content Forum Malaysia about why these guidelines are necessary and how they would look practically. We also ask our listeners: Do you or your kids play online games? How can we make online gaming safer? Image Credit: Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore's Prime Minister will see his benchmark annual salary rise from S$2.2 million (US$1.7 million) to S$3.6 million, a jump of more than 60%, announced by PM Lawrence Wong himself in parliament. Even before the raise, the Singaporean prime minister’s paycheck was considered one of the highest among other country leaders. But this got us thinking about other jobs that might benefit from this pay bump. So we ask our listeners: With news that the Singaporean PM is up for a million dollar increment, what other professions could use a huge pay raise? Image Credit: Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The haze has worsened, with Sarawak's condition not improving and schools forced to shut down. We revisit a conversation we had with Dr Teckwyn Lim, environmental researcher, about why our haze problem has been going on for three decades. We also hear clips on the health side of things, from an interview with consultant respiratory physician, Dr Helmy Haja Mydin. Throughout, we ask our listeners: How is the haze affecting you? What can be done to stop transboundary haze - from us, as citizens, and from the government? Image Credit: Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The controversy surrounding Madu Atau Racun, a Malay-language series alleged to involve same-sex relationships, has drawn reactions ranging from the Religious Affairs Minister to the public, with calls for the series to be pulled for going against religious teachings. With discussions about censorship in the air, we ask you: is censorship necessary? Image Credit: Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From a good ol' breakfast at the kopitiam before a trip to Genting Highlands to a late-night supper at the mamak after a local football game, everyone has their own definition of a perfect day as a Malaysian. So for today's Talkback Tuesday, we ask our listeners: If you could plan your ideal, quintessentially Malaysian day, what would it look like?Image Credit: Pexels, Suria KLCC (Website), Central Market (Website) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Merdeka just around the corner, it is the time of year when we reflect on what brings us together as a nation, from our food and culture to our shared warmth and unity. So, as we prepare to celebrate another year of independence, we ask our listeners: What is your favourite thing about Malaysia, and what is your wish for the country?Image Credit: Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the government considers whether elements of GST could be integrated into the existing SST framework, questions remain over how a hybrid system would affect consumers and businesses. So for today’s Talkback Thursday, we speak with Thenesh Kannaa, Executive Director of TraTax, on the differences between GST and SST, the impact on the cost of living, and what an ideal tax system could look like.Then, we ask our listeners: Would You Like to See the Return of GST?Image Credit: Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As generative AI tools become the go-to shortcut for logos, taglines, and marketing campaigns, creatives warn that algorithm-driven branding harms artistic integrity and originality. But with businesses prioritising speed and cost-cutting, does the average consumer actually care if a design is AI-generated? So for today's Talkback Tuesday, we speak with Alexdrina Chong, artist, illustrator and creative director, on protecting the human soul and emotional resonance in art, as well as Brandon Lee, Co-Founder of Pandan Social, on commercial efficiency and how businesses can use AI without sacrificing brand authenticity.Then, we ask you: Would you hire a designer or copywriter over just using AI?Image Credit: Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.