Live Well with Michelle

Are Singaporeans getting enough sleep? How much sleep do we really need in our 20s, 40s or 60s? While sleep deprivation is often associated with fatigue and poor concentration, research has also linked it to a higher risk of heart disease and heart attacks. Lance Alexander speaks with Dr Kua Jieli, Interventional Cardiologist, Carrington Cardiology, Singapore to explain how poor sleep affects the heart, whether catching up on sleep over the weekend helps, why sleep quality matters, and what we can do to protect our heart health. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eight new exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have joined the Singapore Exchange in October, offering investors access to the S&P 500, Nasdaq-100, global equities, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and artificial intelligence. But which ones are worth considering, and do more ETFs necessarily mean better diversification? Lance Alexander speaks with Tim Phillips, Founder, TimTalksMoney about the differences between these funds, the risks of investing in individual markets and AI, and what investors should know about fees and currency exposure. They also discuss whether global ETFs are truly diversified and how Singapore investors can balance local stocks with overseas investments. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From managing children's screen time and avoiding online scams to keeping up with artificial intelligence, how can we build healthier digital habits? As technology becomes part of almost every aspect of daily life, staying connected without feeling overwhelmed is increasingly important. Lance Alexander speaks with Alice Yeo, Deputy Director of the Digital Readiness Cluster at IMDA to explore how parents, children and seniors can use technology more safely, confidently and responsibly, and the hands-on activities designed to make digital learning accessible to everyone. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Does gold still deserve a place in your portfolio? Lance Alexander speaks with Ole Hansen, Head of Commodity Strategy, Saxo, about gold prices, central bank buying and the impact of inflation and interest rates. They explore how much gold to hold, physical gold versus gold ETFs, and whether silver and platinum offer alternatives. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite leading an active lifestyle, Gerry suffered a stroke in 2024, only to discover that he had already experienced an earlier silent stroke. On World Stroke Day (29 Oct), Lance Alexander speaks with Dr Kevin Teo, Associate Consultant, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital& Gerry Rezel, former VP Marketing Communications at C.K. Tang, now retired and a stroke survivor about his journey from diagnosis to recovery, including the challenge of regaining his speech. Dr Kevin also explains the warning signs of stroke, the link between atrial fibrillation and stroke risk, and what you can do to prevent another stroke. What are the symptoms you should never ignore? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How should investors build an Asian stock portfolio, and which markets offer the best opportunities? From Singapore's dividend-paying stocks to AI-driven semiconductor companies in South Korea and Taiwan, and overlooked opportunities in Australia, where should retail investors focus? Lance Alexander speaks with Sam Konrad, Investment Director at Jupiter Asset Management about specific stocks worth examining, the thinking behind selecting them, how much to allocate to different markets, and the risks of concentrating too heavily on AI. They also explore why China and Japan may be less attractive, and when investors should consider rebalancing their portfolios. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore is planning to introduce bone density and muscle health tests for women through Healthier SG, following an announcement by Health Minister Ong Ye Kung. But what can these screenings reveal, particularly for women going through menopause? A Singapore study found that nearly one in five women aged 45 to 69 had sarcopenia, a condition involving the loss of muscle mass and strength. Lance Alexander speaks with Dr June Sheren, Family Physician for Women's Health & Menopause, Tucker Medical on how menopause affects muscle health, the early signs of muscle loss, how bone density and muscle health are assessed, and whether women can rebuild lost muscle through strength training, exercise and nutrition. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What makes a trading card valuable - and can you sell it for a profit? Lance Alexander speaks with Roy Raftery, Head of Pop Culture at Stanley Gibbons, about Singapore’s trading card community and its role in Asia’s collectibles market. They explore what drives Pokémon card prices, how grading, fees and resale demand affect profits. Plus, the risks of hype, counterfeits and poor storage, alongside lessons from the NFT boom and bust. Find out what beginners should know about counterfeit cards, price swings and the risks of turning a hobby into an investment. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do your eyes keep watering even when you're not crying? Persistent watery eyes could be caused by dry eyes, allergies or blocked tear ducts. But how can you tell the difference, and when should you see a doctor? As NUH marks 40 years of eye care, Lance Alexander speaks with Dr Maryanne Chew Romero, Consultant, Department of Ophthalmology, National University Hospital and Alexandra Hospital to explore the causes of excessive tearing, warning signs you shouldn't ignore, and a minimally invasive procedure known as ELDR that can clear certain tear duct blockages without conventional surgery. Find out who is suitable for treatment, what recovery involves and whether the blockage can return. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How much can you afford to give your ageing parents without putting your own retirement at risk? Lance Alexander speaks with Elijah Lee, Senior Financial Services Manager, Phillip Securities about budgeting for parents’ expenses, preparing for eldercare costs, sharing responsibilities among siblings and weighing the financial impact of leaving work to become a caregiver. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When a stroke strikes, every minute counts. Singapore has made significant progress in stroke treatment, with mortality rates falling sharply since the 1990s. Yet a new regional report highlights a worrying gap: many people still fail to recognise the warning signs of a stroke. What are the early symptoms beyond FAST (Face, Arms, Speech, Time)? What should you do if someone suffers a stroke, and how can AI help doctors diagnose and treat patients faster? Lance Alexander speaks with A/Prof. Anil Gopinathan, Lead, Neuro Vascular Interventions, National University Hospital, Singapore & Ai Li Siow, Managing Director, Singapore and Malaysia, Siemens Healthineers about Singapore's stroke readiness, the challenges facing hospitals as the population ages, and what could make the difference between recovery and permanent disability. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Straits Times Index (STI) suffered a sharp correction in October, while AI stocks faced renewed selling pressure. Are these declines creating buying opportunities or signalling more trouble ahead? Lance Alexander speaks with Cheng Chye Hsern, Head of Investment, Providend to examine whether Singapore stocks are attractively valued, which stocks deserve a closer look, and what the latest AI sell-off means for investors. Plus, with a new S&P 500 equal-weight ETF listed on SGX, how does it compare with a traditional S&P 500 ETF, and which makes more sense for your portfolio? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Snoring may be more than just an annoying sound keeping your partner awake. It could be a sign of obstructive sleep apnoea, a condition linked to high blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms such as atrial fibrillation, and coronary artery disease. Lance Alexander speaks with Dr Pinakin V Parekh, Founder + Medical Director, Senior Consultant, Preventive, General & Interventional Cardiologist, Trident Heart Centre explores the connection between snoring and heart health, how to tell when snoring is a cause for concern, and why sleep studies can now be done at home. From CPAP machines and weight-loss treatments to surgery, what are the options, and can treating sleep apnoea help protect your heart? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A winning stock tip doesn’t always mean the source can be trusted. Lance Alexander speaks with Shanon Tang, Investment Specialist at PhillipCapital to explore how retail investors can spot pump-and-dump scams, verify online investment recommendations and assess whether a stock fits their portfolio. What should you check before acting - and what should you do if you’ve already bought a suspicious stock? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

your investments at risk? As the IMF warns of growing threats to global financial stability, Lance Alexander speaks with Swapnil Mishra, Author of Investing for the Clueless, Reckless and Overly Cautious about how cyberattacks, soaring government borrowing costs and volatility in bond markets could affect stocks, banks and investment portfolios. What should retail investors do to protect their money? And despite these risks, where might opportunities lie? Swapnil also shares a stock that has caught his attention in the past two weeks, what makes it interesting and whether it's worth buying at current prices. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As UK landlords sell amid rising costs and changing rules, does rental property still make sense for retirement income? Lance Alexander speaks with property investor, Daniel Sim, Founder, Golden Goose Properties, about investing in the UK versus Singapore, assessing returns after costs, checking tenant demand and knowing when to walk away. Plus, how does property compare with equities for funding retirement? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can the scent of pandan, the touch of a leaf or the sound of flowing water help hospital patients recover? Changi General Hospital has introduced Singapore’s first nature-based therapy programme integrated into inpatient care at an acute hospital. Lance Alexander speaks with Adj A/Prof Lim Si Ching, Senior Consultant, Department of Geriatric Medicine and Principal Investigator of the Nature-based Therapy programme at CGH explores how specially designed sensory gardens are being used to support older patients and their caregivers, what doctors have observed so far, and whether nature-based therapy could become part of routine hospital care in Singapore. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can Singapore stocks sustain their gains, and where should retail investors look next? Lance Alexander speaks with Robert St Clair, Head of Investment Strategy at Fullerton Fund Management, about earnings, valuations and opportunities beyond the STI’s biggest companies. They also examine Singapore’s stock market reforms, shareholder returns and how to distinguish a bargain from a stock that stays cheap. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Heading to Japan, South Korea or Europe for a year-end ski holiday? Skiing injuries involving the knees, shoulders and ankles can turn a dream getaway into a painful experience, especially for Singaporeans who aren't used to winter sports. Lance Alexander speaks with Dr Lester Tan Teong Jin, Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at Oxford Orthopaedics, about common skiing injuries, how to prepare your body before hitting the slopes, mistakes to avoid and warning signs you shouldn't ignore after a fall. Plus, can an untreated skiing injury cause long-term joint damage? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When company directors buy shares, institutional investors increase their stakes or companies buy back their own stock, is that a signal for retail investors to follow? Lance Alexander speaks with Alvin Chow, Co-founder, Dr Wealth, to examine buying activity in three Singapore-listed companies - Centurion Corporation, UMS Integration and Geo Energy Resources. They discuss what these buying signals really mean, whether the three stocks offer value at current prices, and the risks investors should consider before buying. Plus, with DBS, OCBC and UOB facing institutional selling pressure, are investors finding better opportunities elsewhere? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What do you say to someone who is grieving, and how do you explain death to a child? Lance Alexander speaks with Audrey Perera, Director, Passion & Purpose Asia & Producer, Rites of Us Festival & Darren Cheng, CEO, Direct Funeral Services, about supporting families through loss. They also explore how Singapore’s Rites of Us festival uses theatre, music and conversations to help people understand grief and different mourning traditions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One child wants to stay in the family home. Another wants their share in cash. Could leaving your property equally to your children create a costly dispute? Lance Alexander speaks to Clive Chng, Associate Director of Redbrick Mortgage Advisory to explore the financial and family costs of not having a property succession plan in Singapore, and how homeowners can prepare a fair inheritance while protecting their retirement. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When do recurring digestive problems need medical attention? Lance Alexander speaks with Dr Christopher Chia, Chief of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, and co-lead of the Digestive Health Centre, Woodlands Hospital to discuss common digestive conditions in Singapore, warning signs, fatty liver disease and when to start colorectal cancer screening. They also look at how Woodlands Hospital’s new Digestive Health Centre brings care together, and practical habits to support better digestive health. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Supporting ageing parents, raising your own family while planning for your own retirement? Lance Alexander speaks with Gabriel Chen, Senior Deputy Director, Retirement Savings Department at CPF Board to explore how Singapore’s sandwich generation can use CPF to balance family needs, prepare for healthcare expenses and manage housing commitments while protecting their retirement savings. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What can grip strength tell us about heart health? Lance Alexander speaks with Assoc Prof Angela Koh, Director, Cardiovascular Ageing and Longevity (CRANE) Programme, National Heart Centre Singapore to explore Singapore research linking weaker muscle strength to changes in the ageing heart, and whether a simple handgrip test could help identify seniors who need further checks. Learn what a weak result means, the test’s limits, and how exercise and diet can help maintain muscle strength as we age. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Could the proposed COE changes affect your decision to buy a car in Singapore? Lance Alexander speaks with Ayush Goyal, Managing Director of SingSaver about what buyers should weigh before buying now or waiting, and how to calculate the full cost of ownership - from car loans and motor insurance to maintenance and depreciation. They also explore COE renewal versus replacing an older car, and alternatives including public transport, private-hire rides, car-sharing and rentals. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Caring for a loved one but unsure where to find help? Lance Alexander speaks with Christina Tiong, Chief Executive Officer, Home Nursing Foundation & Teo Ying Ying, Head of Social Welfare, Home Nursing Foundation about Carers Hub, a digital platform bringing together caregiving resources, well-being tools, peer support and a caregiver marketplace. They discuss recognising when you need more support, overcoming guilt about asking for help, and finding practical assistance in Singapore. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you suddenly lose the ability to manage your finances, can your spouse or children automatically take over? What happens to your bank accounts, investments and ongoing financial commitments? Lance Alexander speaks with Claudia Tan, Financial Services Director at PhillipCapital, about the differences between a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA), CPF nomination and will, the gaps that even well-prepared investors may overlook, and how to protect your financial affairs when you can no longer make decisions yourself. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Does arthritis mean giving up exercise or facing joint replacement? Lance Alexander speaks with Dr James Siow, Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Oxford Orthopaedics, about common types of arthritis in Singapore, misconceptions about ageing and practical ways to care for your joints. Marking World Arthritis Day, they explore the role of family history, whether arthritis can be reversed, how footwear and walking habits affect joint health, and when joint pain needs medical attention. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How could CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust, or CICT, Sheng Siong and Micro-Mechanics fit into an investment portfolio? Lance Alexander speaks with Chin Hui Leong, Co-founder, The Smart Investor to examine the case for CICT as a core holding, Sheng Siong for growth and Micro-Mechanics as a speculative pick. Discover the business prospects, key risks and valuation checks retail investors should consider before buying these Singapore-listed stocks. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why can rare cancers be difficult to diagnose, and what treatment options are available? Lance Alexander speaks with Dr Kevin Tay, Senior Consultant Medical Oncologist at OncoCare Cancer Centre, about rare cancers such as sarcoma, the importance of an accurate diagnosis, and when to seek a second opinion. They also discuss specialist care, clinical trials and where patients and families in Singapore can find reliable information and support. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are lower S-REIT prices a buying opportunity, or a warning? Lance Alexander speaks with Kenny Loh about why Singapore REITs have fallen, whether payouts from CapitaLand Ascendas REIT, Mapletree Industrial Trust and Keppel REIT are sustainable, and whether mergers could improve investor returns. What should retail investors check before buying - or adding to their holdings? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One stock or around 500 companies? Lance Alexander speaks with Willie Keng, Founder, Dividend Titan, compares Berkshire Hathaway with an S&P 500 ETF, examining historical returns, diversification and risk. Find out what Berkshire shareholders actually own, how Class A and Class B shares differ, and what to consider with S$30,000 to invest. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lance Alexander speaks with Dr Doddabele Srinivasa Deepak, Senior Consultant in Endocrinology at National University Hospital and Heng Boon Ling, Advanced Practice Nurse at NUH, about safer diabetes care - from managing blood sugar in hospital to preparing patients for recovery at home. How does NUH’s SPARK programme identify patients who need earlier intervention? What is HypoBox, and how does it help nurses respond quickly to hypoglycaemia, or low blood sugar? They also discuss diabetes medication safety and what patients and caregivers should understand before leaving hospital. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why can a high salary still leave you worried about money? Lance Alexander speaks with Grace Tay, Associate Director, Finexis Advisory about Singapore’s HENRYs - high earners, not rich yet - and why earning well does not automatically mean financial security. They explore how mortgages, lifestyle costs and wealth tied up in property can leave little available for emergencies or retirement. Through client examples, Grace discusses common investing mistakes, how to build a financial buffer, and when professional advice may be worthwhile. Whether you earn a high income or aspire to, how can you turn your pay into lasting wealth? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lance Alexander speaks with Karen Wee, Executive Director of Lions Befrienders, about what makes ultra-slow jogging different from walking, and how do organisers assess whether seniors can participate safely? They discuss how the year-long campaign Relay Majulah 2026 aims to support active ageing and tackle social isolation among seniors in Singapore through ultra-slow jogging. How it brings generations together, reaches seniors who rarely join community activities, and encourages lasting friendships and regular exercise. Plus, how families and volunteers can get involved. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lance Alexander speaks with James Ong, Group Head of Asset Management at CGS International, about what has driven the rally in Singapore’s small and mid-cap stocks - and where value may remain after the gains. From chip industry suppliers AEM and UMS to engineering firm CSE Global and investment platform iFAST, they examine earnings growth, valuations and opportunities beyond the iEdge Singapore Next 50 Index. Plus, how can retail investors assess this part of the SGX market, and where might the CGS Fullgoal Singapore Next 50 Active ETF (Q50) fit alongside an STI ETF? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lance Alexander speaks with Steven Seah, Chairman, Lions Home , about person-centred dementia care and how understanding someone’s interests, routines and life story can help families and caregivers connect with them. Through examples from Lions Home, they explore ways to spend meaningful time together when conversation becomes difficult, support everyday independence and stay involved when a loved one moves into a nursing home. They also discuss how robotic companions such as MetaPets and Dexie are being used alongside human care, and how caregivers assess whether these tools suit each resident. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lance Alexander speaks with Tim Phillips, Founder, TimTalksMoney about ETF overlap and whether owning several funds really spreads your investment risk. Using VOO and QQQ as examples, they explore how to check shared holdings, calculate your exposure to individual companies and review your portfolio. They also compare dividend ETFs and covered-call ETFs, explaining how these funds generate income, the trade-offs behind their payouts and why investors need to look beyond distribution yields to total returns. Plus, what should Singapore investors check about fees, withholding taxes and currency risk when choosing ETFs for income or retirement? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is a stiff neck simply muscle tension, or could it point to a more serious problem? Lance Alexander speaks with Dr Teo Ke Jia, Senior Consultant at Precision Neurosurgery Singapore, about the warning signs that should not be ignored, including numbness, weak grip and balance problems. They discuss when neck massage or chiropractic manipulation may be unsuitable, when an MRI is needed, and the treatment options for slipped discs, nerve compression and other cervical spine conditions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lance Alexander speaks with Christopher Tan, CEO of Providend, about why CPF LIFE is a strong foundation for retirement income, and when it may not cover everything you need. How do you fund the years before CPF LIFE payouts begin at 65? What happens to household income when one spouse dies? And when might cash or a private annuity help? Christopher explains what to check before deciding whether to top up CPF or buy another retirement income plan. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With fresh graduates in Singapore facing a tougher job market, is entrepreneurship a realistic alternative - or a much bigger risk than it appears? Lance Alexander speaks with Adrian Yeo, Director & Co-Founder, Feel Fresh , about choosing entrepreneurship over a full-time job, starting a business with a secondary-school friend and building an oral-care brand without external funding. Adrian shares why he became an entrepreneur, the personal story behind Feel Fresh, the financial risks involved and the toughest lessons from running a business. Plus, what should students and fresh graduates test before taking the plunge, and how can they tell whether entrepreneurship is right for them? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AI stocks have swung sharply between fear and excitement. Is the pullback in chipmakers a buying opportunity, or are investors still expecting too much? Lance Alexander speaks with Arun Pai, Partner at Monk’s Hill Ventures, about what is driving the volatility and which businesses could face a real threat from AI. They also examine Costco’s latest results and the price investors are paying for its shares. Plus, with Nike’s earnings due after the interview, what would show that its turnaround is making progress? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lance Alexander speaks with Koh Yan Ping, CEO of the Singapore Council of Women’s Organisations (SCWO), about the challenges women in Singapore face when returning to work after a career break. Drawing on SCWO’s study, Women and Work Transitions, they examine why women leave the workforce, how employers view gaps in a CV, and why knowing about government support schemes does not always lead to a job. How do the challenges differ for new mothers and older women returning after years of caregiving? And what can employers and policymakers do to create more flexible and sustainable career paths for women? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lance Alexander speaks with Yee Shen Hao, Financial Services Manager and co-founder of The Wealth Stewards Group at PhillipCapital, about how investors should assess the performance of their investment portfolios. Is comparing your returns with the Straits Times Index or S&P 500 always useful? What should you measure beyond headline returns, and how can you tell the difference between normal underperformance and a strategy that needs to change? They also discuss choosing the right investment benchmark, accounting for risk, fees, inflation and currency movements, and whether your portfolio remains on track to meet your financial goals. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.