About That. (with Marga Ortigas)

Episode 3: STORYTELLERS in the SPOTLIGHT: Karina Robles Bahrin

An insightful and wide-ranging conversation with Epigram Award winning author of "The Accidental Malay", Karina Robles Bahrin, on everything from creating while running a business to 'Own Voices' narratives, writing in a second language, and being multi-racial in Asia. You won't want to miss this one!

Episode 1: ABOUT THAT: Spotlight on Storytellers: The SERING Sisters

The Brontes, The Moriartys, and also The Serings. But besides their individual achievements as authors and writers, sisters Tweet & Tara Sering together penned the hit show "K-Love" for VIU, Asia's leading streaming service. It instantly became a hit with viewers.  With the success of their first -- joint -- screenwriting endeavour, Tweet & Tara join me to talk about the joys and challenges of working with a sibling, the many different ways creative projects come to be, and believi...

Episode 2: ABOUT THAT: Spotlight on Storytellers: HARRIS WHITBECK

After decades of working with one of the largest global news companies in the world, Guatemala-born journalist, Harris Whitbeck, boldly tells his own story in a new memoir.  He speaks to me from his home about death squads, dictators, and growing up gay in Latin America in the late 20th century. We also explore what its like to work in warzones, how using gadgets affects a story's impact on storytellers, and what he's learned about handling creative blocks. Disclaimer: Some colourf...

Episode 31: SPECIAL POST-PANDEMIC EPISODE: The Graduates

Catch up with Gen-Xers Marga (the journalist), Karla (the chef), & Tanya (the film producer), a year after they were first "community quarantined" in pandemic-stricken Manila. The city has been under the longest and most militarised 'lockdown' in the world. Our hosts talk coping, keeping busy, and staying hopeful - as they say farewell to Karla who is off on a new adventure.

S3 Ep6: MAPS & Other FICTIONS

How do we move past an increasingly polarised world to create a common identity? Or are we doomed to always draw lines between US...and THEM? Back on the podcast is special guest Nik de Ynchausti. Music: Homestead, by Kai Engel

A LOST GENERATION?

Boomers, Gen-Xers, Gen Y, Millennials, Gen Z...each generation had its share of challenges, but it can be argued that none more so than today's children. Health crises, wars, violence, environmental catastrophes, and above all global warming - they're in line to inherit a world with an expiry date. On this episode, we speak to Bhanu Bhatnagar from Save the Children International. Why aren't the Grown-Ups doing more for the world's children?

S3 Ep5: A LOST GENERATION?

Boomers, Gen-Xers, Gen Y, Millennials, Gen Z...each generation had its share of challenges, but it can be argued that none more so than today's children. Health crises, wars, violence, environmental catastrophes, and above all global warming - they're in line to inherit a world with an expiry date. On this episode, we speak to Bhanu Bhatnagar from Save the Children International. Why aren't the Grown-Ups doing more for the world's children?

The Female Politik: The Gender Struggle in Public Office

It's the 21st century and women in positions of power are still a rarity in many places. Even the country feted as the most powerful in the world has yet to see a female president. We talk gender and politics with a female (minority) senator from an Asian country overrun with macho, populist leaders and strongmen. SPECIAL GUEST: Philippine senator Risa Hontiveros News clips from : Euronews, ABS-CBN, Vice Music by Scott Holmes

S3 Ep4: The FEMALE POLITIK: The Gender Struggle in Public Office

It's the 21st century and women in positions of power are still a rarity in many places. Even the country feted as the most powerful in the world has yet to see a female president. We talk gender and politics with a female (minority) senator from an Asian country overrun with macho, populist leaders and strongmen. SPECIAL GUEST: Philippine senator Risa Hontiveros News clips from : Euronews, ABS-CBN, Vice Music by Scott Holmes

MAD WORLD OF METH: A Controversial Conversation

The ins and outs of the Southeast Asian meth trade. Who are the key players? What's politics got to do with it? And how successful is the so-called "war on drugs"? We speak with journalist Patrick Winn, author of "Hello Shadowlands: Inside the Meth Fiefdoms, Rebel Hideouts and Bomb-Scarred Party Towns of Southeast Asia." Visit us on: www.patreon.com/aboutthatthepodcast Twitter: @margaortigas

S3 Ep3: MAD WORLD OF METH: A Controversial Conversation

The ins and outs of the Southeast Asian meth trade. Who are the key players? What's politics got to do with it? And how successful is the so-called "war on drugs"? We speak with journalist Patrick Winn, author of "Hello Shadowlands: Inside the Meth Fiefdoms, Rebel Hideouts and Bomb-Scarred Party Towns of Southeast Asia." Visit us on: www.patreon.com/aboutthatthepodcast Twitter: @margaortigas

The Fourth Estate

A former journalist from a country that no longer exists talks to us about oppressive regimes, freedom of the press, and the changing face of democracy. . Neven Andjelic left his native Sarajevo when the communist republic of Yugoslavia was splintering. He sought asylum in the UK and is now a leading lecturer on International Relations and Human Rights. I catch him in Croatia. Newsclip from Radio Free Europe Music: "Paper Lanterns in the Dusk" by springtide

S3 Ep2: The FOURTH Estate

A former journalist from a country that no longer exists talks to us about oppressive regimes, freedom of the press, and the changing face of democracy. . Neven Andjelic left his native Sarajevo when the communist republic of Yugoslavia was splintering. He sought asylum in the UK and is now a leading lecturer on International Relations and Human Rights. I catch him in Croatia. Newsclip from Radio Free Europe Music: "Paper Lanterns in the Dusk" by springtide

"BAD" History: Revisit, Revise, Re-do?

With special guest, Nik de Ynchausti. Why are autocrats & the far right rewriting the past? How powerful a tool is social media in this exercise? In the democratized world of information, are we seeing the demise of "objective facts"? And yes, we talk about the Marcoses and their creative view of Philippine history. EPISODE MUSIC: "Over Midnight" by Lobo Loco.

S3 Ep1: "BAD" History: Revisit, Revise, Re-do?

With special guest, Nik de Ynchausti. Why are autocrats & the far right rewriting the past? How powerful a tool is social media in this exercise? In the democratized world of information, are we seeing the demise of "objective facts"? And yes, we talk about the Marcoses and their creative view of Philippine history. EPISODE MUSIC: "Over Midnight" by Lobo Loco.

SPECIAL QUARANTINE EPISODE

A brief look at life in Manila, one of the longest lockdowned cities in the world. We talk staying sane, Viber ecosystems, cloud kitchens, social participation during distancing - and the glaring social divide. With special guests, media executive Tanya Yuson and chef Karla Mendoza. Please do pardon the audio quality. Recorded over the internet. Music is courtesy of Purple Planet.

COVID-19: Postcards from a Pandemic (SOON)

An ABOUT THAT Special Episode

So who else is glad to see the back of 2018? It wasn't the easiest of times... but the beginning of a new year is always the perfect reason for a fresh slate. (Phew!) Last December, we took a trip to the Yukon. To say it was inspirational would be an understatement. There's something about the starkness of frost that is invigorating. I felt the same rejuvenation a few years prior on a visit to Mongolia in the dead of winter. It was like rediscovering magic. Nature holds all t...

S2 Ep8: A Conversation with DELAMAR

If there's anything that many of our guests have echoed it's that legacies are built one small step at a time. In this final episode, a leading personality on Philippine English-language radio talks us through her pioneering journey: how a summer job that wasn't going too well became the career of a lifetime. Plus - the sorrows and surprises along the way. How DELAMAR unintentionally managed to speak for a generation... and take it all in stride.

S2 Ep 7: RANDI LEVIN: Life Changes, Transitions, & Reinventions

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the world and struggling to keep up with everything you need to do? Or do you sometimes find yourself feeling "blah" about things? Maybe you're in the middle of a big life change and aren't sure how to get everything sorted just so...? It has been said that change is the only constant in life -- and yet it is the one thing that many of us fear the most. In this episode, we speak to professional life strategist Randi Levin who wants us all to live ...

S2 Ep 6: NENA's Magic Mixes: Everything You Didn't Even Know You Wanted to Know About Essential Oils

We're always searching for next big health kick...the latest cure-all and magic remedy. But what if that "new" health fix is really an old one? Centuries old, in fact. Business executive Nena Wuthrich joins us to share her latest passion outside of the office: it's all-natural, chemical-free, can help a wide vareity of ailments -- and ancient. Let's talk - Essential Oils.

S2 Ep 5: DR. LIA - Prescription for Happiness

Are you battling depression? Maybe you're dissatisfied with your life - or know someone who is. Do you think people are unhappier now than they have been before? Does the nonstop buzz of the digital world make things worse for you? Why is that as humanity has reached technological heights, many say they feel trapped in the black night of their soul? There are ways to cope - without medication. Psychoneurologist Lia Bernardo speaks to us about finding peace and living a joyful life....

S2 Ep4: RAJO LAUREL - Man on a Mission

Fashion designer. Artist. Entrepreneur. Son. Brother. Partner. Empire builder. Just a few of the hats worn by Philippine style icon Rajo Laurel. Hear this unfiltered conversation about living honestly, finding contentment, and defining identity through clothing.

S2Ep3: MATT KILLEEN - Dreamer, Father, Author: a Creative Journey

This episode is dedicated to the dreamers. To those who are still in pursuit of dreams, and those who have had them come true. Are you an aspiring writer? Or maybe you don't know what it is you want to do yet. How do you find your passion? Meet British author Matt Killeen. He's done it all. Advertising, store managing, graphics designing, music playing. He's even dabbled in stand-up comedy. Now in his mid-40s, his 1st book is out this March on a topic that has critics r...

S2 Ep2: GABY TABUNAR: A Man of Character, Reflections of a Nonagenarian

Turning the tables on a veteran journalist: Gaby Tabuñar, Chairman Emeritus of the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines, speaks about the things he's seen, the choices he's made, the world as he's seen it change, and what matters most... Can you imagine yourself at a hundred? We're doing things a little differently this episode - we hope you take the journey with us!

S2 Ep1: TIRSO RIPOLL - Daddy's a Rockstar

We all know Jagger, Ozzie, and even Gene Simmons... but ever wonder about a rockstar's life in the East? Spanish-Filipino musician Tirso Ripoll burst onto the Asian music scene in the early 1990s with the iconic rock group Razorback. 27 years later - Tirso is a businessman, a father, and still rocking with his band. He says there is a way to do it all. Hear more in this super animated conversation.

EXTRA: Top 8 for 2018

2017 was a year of change and transition for many people - among them, our host veteran journalist Marga Ortigas. In this podcast EXTRA, Marga starts us off on a new season of ABOUT THAT by looking back at the top things she's learned from our podcast guests so far. What are your top take-aways? Write us! [email protected]

Episode 13: MIGUEL CASTRO - Midlife Dad

Midlife crisis? Not quite, for Gen-X guys. At least that's the experience of Spanish videographer Miguel Castro. Listen in as he candidly talks about fatherhood in his 40s, walking away from a long-time job, and facing fears - and the unknown - with confidence.

Episode 12: ARZU KAPROL - Beyond Fashion

She's a world-renowned designer from Turkey who expresses herself through fashion and design - within a very special context. An artist with leather, lace, lights and 3D printing, Arzu Kaprol has been called both "futuristic" and "architectural". Her work is not just a magical reflection of her rich heritage, but also her spirituality. Listen in as we catch up with Arzu...and you won't see clothing in quite the same way again.

Episode 11: Solo travel - tricky or treat?

More people are travelling alone these days. And they're not just young men with backpacks, or veteran travellers. A growing number of these SOLO TRAVELLERS are women. Many are executives from Asia, and in their 40s. So - what's the appeal of leaving home and exploring on your own? Marga, Tanya, and Karla are reunited to discuss the pitfalls and pleasures of travelling alone.

Episode 10: Breaking Ground (with mental health professional Darby Latshaw)

So...maybe the pressures of the world are getting to you? Too much work? Or not enough? Freaking out about the things you can’t control? Maybe you’re older than you ever imagined…and feel too tired to keep moving forward. Sound familiar? How do you stay afloat? Mental health professional (& fellow Gen-Xer) Darby Latshaw returns to give us a few survival tips.

Episode 9: Breaking Out (with former gangster Marianne Diaz)

Ever wonder what your skin ‘tells’ people about you?  Do you have a tattoo? Are you part of a gang? Is that all that you think ‘marks’ you?  For over 20 years, Marianne Diaz has been helping gang members, like herself, in Los Angeles make a fresh start. Hear her story of transformation, and maybe see the world a little differently. Sometimes, one person can change your life.

Episode 8: Breaking into Motherhood (with international journalist Divya Gopalan)

It's a fact that more people are having kids later in life. In the UK, birth rates of women in their 40s have risen to a higher level than that of women aged under 20 for the first time since 1947. (Source: ONS) In this episode, we have an honest discussion with international TV journalist Divya Gopalan about the joys and pains of being a first-time mom in her 40s, while maintaining a high-pressure job.

Episode 7: Breaking Point (with mental health professional Darby Latshaw)

How many hours do you spend online and how does it affect you? In this episode, we speak to Los Angeles-based musician-turned-therapist Darby Latshaw about issues of identity, stress, and anxiety in the age of social media.

Episode 5: Breaking Bread: Food, Friends, & Faking it...

In this episode, Marga, Karla, & Tanya -- our gang of Gen-Xers -- talk about the importance of food on memory and identity. With guest appearances by adobo, pancit - and muscles! Yes - not the shellfish. Listen in to learn about the Filipino culture of food sharing, and the expat eater's longing for home.

Episode 4: Breaking Chains (with former news executive Charie Villa)

Ever find yourself wondering why you’re doing what you’re doing?  Maybe your career doesn’t suit you anymore, and you’re looking to do something else. Anything else.  How do you transition from one thing to the next?  After 30 years as a journalist and media professional, former TV executive Charie Villa speaks to us about following one’s bliss as she embarks on a new adventure that couldn’t be more different than pursuing the news.

Episode 2: Breaking Ceilings (with broadcast pioneer Cheche Lazaro)

It's said that life begins at 40. In this episode, Asian broadcasting legend Cheche Lazaro tells us how she did just that, and more, by starting a news production company in her 40s - at a time when women were struggling to make a mark in the media industry. An inspirational convesation with a pioneering woman.

Episode 1: Breaking Stereotypes (Introductions & Transitions)

Meet our host, veteran international journalist Marga Ortigas, and her friends – chef Karla Mendoza and media producer Tanya Yuson. After travelling the world and charting their own courses, this mid-life trio find themselves back in their home country, pondering their next steps.

Episode 6: Breaking The Mold (with international fixer Inky Nakpil)

What's it like to be an independently-employed woman who is also raising a family? Inky Nakpil, a veteran freelance fixer for foreign media companies, shares her secret to being a mom while hopping from one Philippine island to another managing numerous TV crews.

Episode 3: Breaking Expectations

Perennials take on Tinder, dating in their 40s, and letting go of things they cannot control.