Listen Now

Determined to transform his relationship with money, Ezra begins the conversation about personal finance. With Julian Ng, co-founder of robo-advisor Akru, they discuss how much money is enough for you to have a life you love, now and in the future? What conscious choices can you make to improve your station in life? Also, the merits of passive investing.BioJulian Ng has 20 years’ experience in the investment banking and fund management industries with companies such as CIMB, J.P. Morgan and Public Mutual. As a producer and presenter on BFM89.9, he  shows business and finance on how it impacted ordinary folks.In his time as a portfolio manager, he became uncomfortable with the ideology that fund houses were expected to consistently outperform the market. This led him to co-found Akru, a digital platform that provides automated, algorithm-driven financial planning services with little to no human supervision.Julian Ng: Linkedin, Blog, TwitterEpisode StructureA conversation about money, with myself - 0:00Resetting/reconfiguring the relationship with money - 3:00Julian's childhood anxieties about money - 5:41"will we be on the streets if we run out of money?" - 10:32Pivotal moments: Julian quits  his job as a fund manager - 15:58Ezra's experience: How policies impact individuals and society - 19:05The narrative of the financial media - 23:30It shouldn't be down to you gambling in the stock market to put food on the table -  26:22What can we do to be financially secure and happy? - 32:26The role of passive investing - 33:21Role of technology forces us to ask: what do we want in life? 39:23Reading John Bogle and how it impacted Julian - 45:00Outro and credits - 52:09TEZP theme song debut - 52:57LinksJulian Ng interviews his hero, John BogleVanguard — John Bogle’s fund manager/investing companyBarbell Investment Strategy by Nassim Nicholas TalebsNew Economic Policy (NEP) in MalaysiaLemonade Day — inspiring kids to start a business and build something that will change the world regardless of how large or small their ambition is.Book RecommendationsThe Little Book of Common Sense Investing by John Bogle https://www.academia.edu/35165688/The_little_book_of_common_sense_investingTermsAssets — an asset is a resource with economic value that an individual, corporation, or country owns or controls with the expectation that it will provide a future benefit.Cryptocurrency — a digital currency in which transactions are verified and records maintained by a decentralized system using cryptography, rather than by a centralized authority. (ex. Bitcoin uses cryptocurrency)Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) — an exchange traded fund (ETF) is a type of security that involves a collection of securities—such as stocks—that often tracks an underlying index, although they can invest in any number of industry sectors or use various strategies. ETFs are in many ways similar to mutual funds; however, they are listed on exchanges and ETF shares trade throughout the day just like ordinary stock.Index Funds — an index fund is a type of mutual fund or exchange-traded fund (ETF) with a portfolio constructed to match or track the components of a financial market index, such as the Standard & Poor's 500 Index (S&P 500). An index mutual fund is said to provide broad market exposure, low operating expenses, and low portfolio turnover. These funds follow their benchmark index regardless of the state of the markets.Robo-advisor — Robo-advisor/roboadvisor are digital platforms that provide automated, algorithm-driven financial planning services with little to no human supervision. A typical robo-advisor collects information from clients about their financial situation and future goals through an online survey and then uses the data to offer advice and automatically invest client assets. Return — A return, also known as a financial return, in its simplest terms, is the money made or lost on an investment over some period of time.Stock Market — The stock market refers to the collection of markets and exchanges where regular activities of buying, selling, and issuance of shares of publicly-held companies take place.

Pasi Sahlberg puts forth the case as to why play is an essential part of every child’s life. We discover the benefits of children and young people when they follow their own ideas and interests, in their own way, and for their own reasons. What's the most convincing evidence in favour of play? Also, a tribute to Sir Ken Robinson.BioPasi Sahlberg is a Finnish educator and a global leader in education reform. As a policy advisor in Finland, he has studied education systems and advised education leaders around the world. Pasi was  awarded the Lego Prize in 2016 for his dedication to improve the lives of children around the world. As an author, his book “Finnish Lessons: What Can the World Learn from Educational Change in Finland”  won the 2013 Grawemeyer Award.   In 2019, he and William Doyle co-authored Let the Children Play: Why More Play Will Save Our Schools and Help Children Thrive.He is currently a Professor of Education Policy and Deputy Director of the Gonski Institute at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia.Episode StructureAt a playground in Finland, children play - 0:33Observation: what happens when you just let kids play - 1:50Ezra's introduction:  can we rethink how children learn - 4:41The challenges of defining 'play' - 6:11Structured learning vs. unstructured free play - 8:57The importance of conversations between parents, children and educators - 12:30How do we develop the pedagogy of play - 16:47Understanding more about children's resilience -  22:15Developing executive functions in early years - 28:00Where is the most convincing evidence in favour of play? - 30:04Realigning the understanding of  'play' - 36:35Great ideas are being blocked due to  lack of conversations - 41:04Outro and credits- 45:13Postscript: tribute to Sir Ken Robinson - 46:54LinksArticle by the the American Academy of Pediatrics: The Importance of Play in Promoting Healthy Child Development and Maintaining Strong Parent-Child Bonds.The Power of Play - 2018 Clinical ReportBook by Pasi Sahlberg and William Doyle: Let the Children Play: Why More Play Will Save Our Schools and Help Children Thrive.Research by the LEGO Foundation on why learning through play is important.Do Schools Kill Creativity by Sir Ken RobinsonBook Recommendations Born to Run by Bruce SpringsteenMoving: A Memoir of Education and Social Mobility by Andy HargreavesContact :Pasi Sahlberg: Twitter, WebsiteGonski Institue of Education: Website

In this final episode of 2020, Ezra calls up a friend and finds out how the coronavirus affected his Christmas plans.BioJohanan Sen has worked across the fields of strategic consulting, data-driven marketing, creative advertising, service design and product development. Currently, he is the Head Strategy Monk at MediaMonks SEA.Episode StructureIntroducing Joe - 1:13The calendar event they look forward to the most - 2:52Keeping traditions during Christmas - 3:35Spending the holidays apart: “You’re not flying back” - 5:53Getting seats at church like they be Ed Sheeran tickets - 11:15Russell Curtis performing Silent Night - 13:28Joe’s message to his family (and to all of us?!) - 16:01Credits - 19:13Joe’s Christmas RecommendationMariah Carey’s Magical Christmas Special (Apple TV)Russell Curtis and more of his music can be discovered on Spotify and YouTube 

Takahara Suiko is the brainchild behind The Venopian Solitude, the genre-defying experimental electro-pop-nusantara indie band. In this episode, she reflects on the concept of “Hō-ren-sō” (報・連・相) from her time in Japan; how she brings that to the dynamics of being in a band and her personal relationships. What distinguishes the person and persona that is Takahara Suiko? The singer-songwriter spells out the cost of fame, the price it puts on expression and what we can make of ourselves.BioBandleader, singer-songwriter, actor, writer (and now podcaster!) Takahara Suiko is the brainchild behind The Venopian Solitude, an experimental electro-pop-nusantara indie band. In 2014, their album, Hikayat Perawan Majnun (Tales of a Lunatic Damsel), was nominated for three categories in the prestigious Anugerah Industri Muzik 2014 (Best Engineered Album, Best Arrangement in Song, Best Music Video). In 2016, she became the first 1st ever Malaysian alumnus of The Red Bull Music Academy. When uploading quick, electronica-tinged songs, she also publishes under the moniker, Viona. In 2016, she also won Best Hip-Hop Song for the song 'Janji' with Altimet at AIM 2016 as the singer and co-lyricist. She also co-hosts Buah Mulut — a podcast of conversations with her husband, Anwar Hadi. Episode Structure Language Disclaimer - 0:00"It's okay to be unapologetically yourself" - 1:02Introducing Takahara Suiko; her musical personas - 2:00Writing a song a day during lockdown - 2:58The meaning of “Hō-ren-sō” (報・連・相) - 6:00Irreconcilable differences - why people get kicked out of bands - 8:40Maintaining anonymity behind the persona - 15:50What Takahara wants to put out into the world - 22:02What's Takahara up to now? - 26:27Credits - 27:20Book RecommendationHow To: Absurd Scientific Advice for Common Real-World Problems by Randall MunroeMore information can be found about The Venopian Solitude — their music can be discovered on Spotify.

Project Notes: where tips, thoughts and takeaways come together. This episode features Takahara Suiko (ep 003), bandleader of the Venopian Solitude, singer-songwriter, actor, writer (and now podcaster). She explores the nature of trust among bandmates, how it relates to ownership and performance within a band. Takahara makes the case of hacking the musical process with shortcuts, the virtues of being lazy and how it breeds creativity. BioBandleader, singer-songwriter, actor, writer (and now podcaster!) Takahara Suiko is the brainchild behind The Venopian Solitude, an experimental electro-pop-nusantara indie band. In 2014, their album, Hikayat Perawan Majnun (Tales of a Lunatic Damsel), was nominated for three categories in the prestigious Anugerah Industri Muzik 2014 (Best Engineered Album, Best Arrangement in Song, Best Music Video). In 2016, she became the first 1st ever Malaysian alumnus of The Red Bull Music Academy. When uploading quick, electronica-tinged songs, she also publishes under the moniker, Viona. In 2016, she also won Best Hip-Hop Song for the song 'Janji' with Altimet at AIM 2016 as the singer and co-lyricist. She also co-hosts Buah Mulut — a podcast of conversations with her husband, Anwar Hadi. STRUCTURE OF EPISODELanguage Disclaimer - 0:00Introductions - 0:35The relationship between bandmates - 2:03Dismantling the wall in pursuit of creativity - 5:04Royalties, songwriting credit and ownership - 8:25Hacking pop songs & linguistic writing devices - 12:08Making shortcuts: how  lazy that breeds creativity - 13:22And while you're here... If you haven't had a chance to listen to Takahara Suiko's episode Processing The Rage is Tiring (ep 003), it's worth checking out.

Best-selling author (and now podcaster) Damian Hughes shares what it's like to be in the corner of a world boxing title fight. Also, what does it take to deliver a message that has maximum impact? How does storytelling help process complex information? He explains what tripwires are and how we can build it into our everyday lives. BIOProfessor Damian Hughes is an international speaker and best selling author who combines his practical and academic background within sport, organisational development and change psychology, to help organisations and teams to create a high performing culture. He combines his practical and academic background within sport, organisation and change psychology to work as a trusted adviser to the business, education and sporting elite, specialising in the creation of high performing cultures.Episode StructureIntroductions - 0:00What do you say to someone who's about to win a championship? - 2:47What can you do to turn your struggles into something more? - 6:20Tripwires and a Disney moment? - 8:56What does storytelling have to do with the Ezra Zaid Project? - 13:19Thank you's - 20:44What's Damian up to now? - 21:22Credits - 22:55Book RecommendationsThe Midnight Library by Matt Haig The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas Are Setting Up a Generation for Failure by Jonathan Haidt and Greg LukianoffIf you'd like to read one of Damian's books:The Winning MindsetHow to Think Like Sir Alex Ferguson: The Business of Winning and Managing SuccessThe Barcelona Way: How to Create a Winning TeamContact / Social Media:Damian Hughes: Instagram, WebsiteThe High Performance Podcast: Instagram, Youtube, Spotify

On this bonus episode, Damian Hughes (ep 002) explains the common feature of high performers and explains the significance of the Dunning–Kruger effect. Notable mentions in the chat include: José Mourinho and the principle of the guided discovery, the evolution of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as Manchester United manager. Also, what Txiki Begiristain and Ferran Soriano learnt from Warren Buffett in relationship to leadership and culture.BIOProfessor Damian Hughes is an international speaker and best selling author who combines his practical and academic background within sport, organisational development and change psychology, to help organisations and teams to create a high performing culture. Professor Damian Hughes combines his practical and academic background within sport, organisation and change psychology to work as a trusted adviser to the business, education and sporting elite, specialising in the creation of high performing cultures.If you want to know more about Damian, feel free to read here).STRUCTURE OF EPISODEIntroduction - 0:00The Dunning–Kruger law - 1:58Principles of Sir Chris Hoy - Britain's most decorated Olympian 7:37José Mourinho and the principle of guided discovery - 10:50Key areas of parallel between sport and other industries - 14:10The evolution of Olé Gunnar Solskjaer as a coach - 18:153 areas to assess the role of a leader in a high performing culture - 22:05Links:To listen to the High performance podcast episode featuring Olé Gunnar Solskjaer (Spotify | Apple)All or Nothing: Tottenham Hotspurs trailerDamian's book: The Barcelona Way — How to create a Winning TeamAnd while you're here... If you haven't had a chance to listen to Damian's episode Sit Down When You Punch (ep 002), it's worth checking out here.

Ezra reconnects with his ex-house master from school, John Hendry. In this episode, John discusses how the loss of a loved one can alter one's perspective on relationships. Committing his life as an educator for more than 50 years, John reflects on a defining moment that altered the direction of his future. We hear more about what does it mean to be kind; and that much like our ability to be proficient at anything else, kindness too requires practice.BioJohn Hendry has committed his life to education. For over 50 years, he has worked at all levels of school and higher education including Geelong Grammar School, where he spent 36 years of his career. His passion for education is coupled with his belief on the importance of relationships. As the lead consultant at Parents Victoria, John is working on a relationship-based education, of which you can read more about it here.If you want to know more about John, feel free to read here.Episode StructureIntroductions - 0:00What defines a 20-year-old relationship? - 0:58How do you move forward from a family tragedy - 3:35What happens when you're given the chance to try - 7:13A galaxy of relationships - 12:28Thank you's - 18:45What's John up to now? - 20:32Credits - 21:41Book RecommendationsMorality by Rabbi Jonathan SacksTalking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell (and I would second that recommendation too).The Hour Between Dog and Wolf: How Risk Taking Transforms Us, Body and MindContactJohn can be reached at the following email: takethesingle@gmail.com

On this bonus episode, John Hendry (ep 001) shares the 5 key elements of a quality relationship. The basic elements of a quality relationship are trust, forgiveness, integrity, hope (optimism), and compassion. And while they are important individually, together they in fact substantiate the relationship.BioJohn Hendry has committed his life to education. For over 50 years, he has worked at all levels of school and higher education including Geelong Grammar School, where he spent 36 years of his career. His passion for education is coupled with his belief on the importance of relationships. As the lead consultant at Parents Victoria, John is working on a relationship-based education, of which you can read more about it here.And while you're here...If you haven't had a chance to listen to John's episode On Why Relationships Matter (ep 001), it's worth checking out here.

This is hardly a trailer. At best, it's a friendly reminder. Every fortnight, join Ezra Zaid on a narrative journey as he trails the footprints of individuals navigating the prospect of discovery and adversity. The podcast hopes to feature unique stories and anecdotes often hidden in plain sight. Oh, and hopefully there will be lots of puns, lots of it. The Ezra Zaid Project debuts on November 12th.