Tell You First Podcast

Mediacorp

70 - The Year Singapore Football Became A Joke

Tell You First is an edutainment podcast produced by Ministry of Funny for Mediacorp, the national media network of Singapore. The program is hosted by Haresh Tilani and Terence Chia, the creative pair known for their work on the independent podcast Yah Lah BUT... and various digital comedy projects. This series represents a collaborative effort to deliver informative content through a conversational and informal lens, focusing on topics ranging from Singaporean history and urban development to scientific phenomena and global cultural trends.

The format of the podcast is structured around the exploration of specific, often niche, subjects that the hosts research and present to the audience. Episodes typically investigate the origins of local institutions, the mechanics behind public infrastructure, or the backstories of well-known Singaporean brands. Specific examples of episode topics include the history of Tiger Balm, the evolution of the People’s Action Party (PAP) logo, and the logistics of the Singapore Armed Forces’ food supply. By examining these subjects, the show aims to provide listeners with contextual information and trivia that is not commonly discussed in standard educational formats.

While Tilani and Chia serve as the primary narrators and commentators, the series occasionally features guest contributors who offer specialized knowledge on the theme of the day. The production emphasizes a balance between factual accuracy and the established comedic rapport of the hosts. As part of the meListen digital catalog, Tell You First is designed for a domestic audience interested in the hidden narratives of Singaporean society. The show’s editorial direction focuses on the intersection of curiosity and local identity, utilizing a podcasting style that prioritizes accessibility and narrative storytelling over formal instruction. Each episode serves as a standalone deep dive into a single topic, contributing to a broader archive of local knowledge.

70 - The Year Singapore Football Became A Joke