The Human Algorithm Podcast

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit humanalgorithm.substack.comThis is a free preview. Watch the full video at: https://humanalgorithm.substack.com/podcastDaisy Anne Mitchell went from $17 in her bank account to running Ang Mo Media, a six-figure creator consultancy helping influencers negotiate better deals and treat creativity like a career, not a side hustle.With nearly 100,000 followers across TikTok and Instagram, Daisy is one of Singapore’s most vocal advocates for creator rights. However, her journey wasn’t easy. From being the only white kid in a Catholic local school to navigating messy divorces and financial trauma, Daisy learned early that standing out means standing up for yourself.In this episode, we cover:* The $17 moment that changed everything (and why she shares her income publicly)* How someone impersonated her to commit fraud, and what she learned about contracts* Why “slow growth beats virality” for building a sustainable creator business* The truth about Third Culture Kids and finding identity between two worlds* How to negotiate brand deals without giving discounts (and why you should never say yes immediately)* Why she hired a virtual assistant and stopped editing her own videos* The mental health reality behind being a “vocal” creator in SingaporeThis conversation explores:

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit humanalgorithm.substack.comThis is a free preview. Watch the full video at: https://humanalgorithm.substack.com/podcastFor years, Andee Chua wanted to be invisible because visibility meant becoming a target and not because he lacked ambition.Behind the polished LinkedIn Top Voice, international model, and DEI leader lies a journey from schoolyard bullying to building Singapore’s most inclusive run club. Despite co-founding Kampong Collective and leading inclusion programs in tech, Andee spent his teenage years suppressing everything that made him different — his queerness, his love for dance, his need to be seen.What Andee reveals in this conversation:

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit humanalgorithm.substack.comFree subscribers can watch half the episode as a preview. Become a paid subscriber to watch the full hour-long episode.In my latest podcast conversation with Leonard Cheong, founder and creative director of Finix, he talks about trauma, fluidity, spiritual awakening, and redefining what it means to live and dress with freedom. From surviving the Fukushima nuclear disaster to launching Singapore’s first gender-fluid ath-flow label, Leonard shares the reality behind the brand.Despite his success as a designer and former dancer, Leonard spent years navigating a world that tried to “reprogram” him, holding together a public persona while burying his true self under societal expectations.What Leonard reveals in this conversation:* The origin story: Why shopping in the men’s section sparked a frustration that birthed a brand* The trauma pivot: How living 40km from the Fukushima nuclear plant traumatised him but ultimately shaped his resilience* The spiritual bootcamp: Why entrepreneurship forced him to face himself with no escape* The identity cost: Navigating the space between “he/him” and “they/them” in a conservative society* The vision: How he sees trends not through data, but through vibration and intuition* The flagship moment: The emotional reality of opening a sanctuary on Keong Saik RoadKey insights:

Creators’ Circle 4 was built for people who refuse to shrink their voices, and this past Wednesday, VaynerMedia invited me to speak about identity, reinvention, and what happens when you stop hiding.In my talk, I walked through the real chapters of my life. I shared how my first experience of shame at ten made me build a mask, like learning early that the world can be cruel and that I had no emotional language at home to handle it. I explained how that mask hardened in secondary school, where I chased toughness, picked fights, got arrested twice, and tried to play a version of masculinity that never belonged to me. The turning point came in lockup, where I saw the life waiting for me if I didn’t change.I talked about leaving that path, going to ITE, and starting again with people who didn’t need me to perform. I shared how storytelling became my anchor, how I fought my way into journalism without a degree, got laid off, and learned that rebuilding teaches clarity, success never does.I opened up about becoming a parent to a neurodiverse daughter who is still non-verbal, and how that pushed me to stop hiding my identity because I can’t ask her to live as her whole self if I refuse to do the same. That is why I came out publicly on LinkedIn. The response showed me how hungry people are for honesty.I explained how my friend Kelly, who works at VaynerMedia, gave me Gary Vaynerchuk’s Day Trading Attention when I was unemployed, and how that book helped me treat my own life as a story worth telling. That led to my newsletter, my podcast, and the work I do with founders and creators today.I closed by sharing a full-circle moment: a friend from my most destructive teenage years stood up during one of my talks to confirm everything I had shared. I grounded the room in the daily reality of being gender-fluid in Singapore, like dealing with stares and awkward bathrooms and still choosing this life because the alternative would have kept me silent or sent me to prison.See you next Sunday.Human Algorithm is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit humanalgorithm.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit humanalgorithm.substack.comFree subscribers can watch half the episode as a preview. Become a paid subscriber to watch the full hour-long episode.This is a preview. Watch the full video at: https://humanalgorithm.substack.com/podcastConnect with me here:My newsletter: https://humanalgorithm.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mediumshawn/?hl=enTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@humanalgoLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mediumshawn/In this raw conversation with comedian and actor Fauzi Azzhar, he talks about addiction, identity, incarceration, and rebuilding a life that once felt impossible to hold together. From making millions laugh on SGAG to hiding a substance dependence for eight years, Fauzi shares the reality behind the punchlines.Despite his wit, screen presence, and 200K+ social following, Fauzi spent years living a split life, holding together a public persona while his personal battles escalated in silence.What Fauzi reveals in this conversation:- The arrest: Why being taken from his home by police felt like relief, not fear- The addiction cycle: How curiosity turned into dependence, shame, and isolation- The prison pivot: Why incarceration became the moment his life stopped falling apart and started getting rebuilt- The dual identity cost: Hiding his sexuality, his partner, and his struggles from family, friends, and followers- The movie moment: How rehab led to landing his first film role as Danial in We Can Save the World!!!- The honesty decision: Choosing to share his story despite warnings about career damageKey insights:- “I hated myself for eight years. Then I asked, What if I become the person little Fauzi needed?”- “Drugs felt like a safe space until I realised I was scared of the world outside of it”- “I used to laugh pain away. Now I let myself feel it, speak it, and share it”This conversation explores:Why substance dependence in Singapore remains invisible until it detonatesHow censorship, stigma, and faith complicated his identity as a queer Muslim creatorThe relationship that held through hiding, arrests, rehab, and rebuilding trustHow prison systems treated his partner's visits with more neutrality than society didThe real behind-the-scenes of going from rehab to a red carpet premiereWhy authenticity now sits higher on his priority list than being likedFauzi’s story shows that breaking down and rebuilding are not separate events; they are the same when enough truth finally enters the room. He went from numbing himself to speaking for the parts of himself he used to hide.If you have ever felt pulled between who you are and who you present, or wondered how to rebuild a life that feels off-track, Fauzi’s truth hits like a guide you didn’t ask for but needed anyway.We Can Save the World!!! is now in Singapore cinemas, starring Fauzi Azzhar, Noah Yap, and Benjamin Kheng.#drugs #movie #creator

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit humanalgorithm.substack.comFree subscribers can watch half the episode as a preview. Become a paid subscriber to watch the entire episode, which is an hour long.In this raw conversation with content creator Lynette Kua, she opens up about living with trichotillomania for over a decade, her decision to shave her head, and how dance became her healing outlet. Trichotillomania is a mental health condition affecting 1-2% of the population where individuals have an irresistible urge to pull out their own hair, creating a cycle of tension, urge, temporary relief and shame. Despite being highly intelligent and creative, people with “trich” often hide this condition for years due to stigma, using wigs, bandanas, or avoiding certain activities entirelyLynette shares the unexpected lessons that shaped her authentic creator journey, from leading dance crews to working with special needs children.What Lynette reveals in this conversation:* The shaving moment: Why cutting off all her hair wasn’t about giving up - it was about taking control* The dance healing method: How hip-hop, contemporary, and soul dance became her emotional vocabulary when words failed* The street interview strategy: Building authentic content by revealing her condition to strangers and documenting their real reactions* The special needs teaching impact: How working with neurodiverse children shaped her empathy and content creation approach* The creator authenticity formula: Building 10K+ engaged followers by sharing healing journey instead of chasing viral trends* The boundary blueprint: Managing DMs from people seeking advice while protecting her own mental healthKey insights:

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit humanalgorithm.substack.comFree subscribers can watch half the episode as a preview. Become a paid subscriber to watch the entire episode.From musical theatre stages to Netflix screens, to viral TikToks, and international hosting gigs, this is the extraordinary story of how Caitanya Tan harnessed her ADHD brain into a creative superpower that refuses to be confined to one industry.If you have ever been told to “pick a lane” or felt scattered across multiple passions, this conversation will change everything about how you see neurodiversity and modern creative careers.Caitanya’s journey reveals the hidden truth about ADHD brains, where they are built for creative domination across multiple fields, like performing at Hong Kong Disneyland to building Singapore’s first cai fan lifestyle brand, Pointy Rice. This is what happens when you stop fighting your neurodivergent nature and start leveraging it.What Caitanya reveals in this conversation:* The ADHD advantage: How her neurodivergent brain connects dots faster than neurotypical competitors across 4+ industries* The multi-hyphenate method: Why juggling actress, presenter, voiceover artist AND content creator roles isn’t chaos - it’s strategy* The 200K followers secret: Building massive audiences on TikTok and Instagram while maintaining 4 different professional careers* The Harvey Weinstein encounter: What really happened at that Hong Kong hotel room and why speaking truth matters* The Uniqlo controversy: How a corporate giant copying her cai fan concept became the best marketing she never paid for* The pivot mastery: Why she’s been “pivoting” her entire life, long before it became a business buzzwordKey insights:

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit humanalgorithm.substack.comFrom facing criminal charges for illegal street art in 2012 to becoming the art director for Singapore’s National Day Parade 2025, this is the extraordinary story of how Sam went from society‘s margins to designing its most important celebration.If you feel like you don't belong anywhere, this conversation will show you how authenticity becomes your greatest superpower.Sam‘s journey reveals the hidden truth about living authentically in a conservative society and why the pain of staying the same eventually becomes greater than the fear of changing everything.What Sam reveals in this conversation:* The arrest trauma: How getting caught as the “Sticker Lady” created unexpected PTSD that took years to overcome* The trans awakening: Why identifying as lesbian first was just the beginning of a much deeper identity journey* The NDP 2025 paradox: How Singapore’s most controversial artist became the director of its 60th anniversary celebration* The parent transformation: Going from “you’re not lesbian” to parents calling Sam “hey boy”* The transition truth: Why coming out as trans made Sam 10x more vulnerable and authentic as an artist* The queer NDP revelation: How 2025 became Singapore’s most LGBTQIA+ inclusive National Day everKey insights:

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit humanalgorithm.substack.comNon-binary photographer Ben Machap (Singapore’s self-proclaimed “cutest boudoir photographer”) joins me on The Human Algorithm Podcast to talk about how to survive and thrive as a creative in a conservative city.We discuss consent literacy, client boundaries, deposits/fees, platform risk, and representation (plus-size, dark-skinned, queer bodies). We also get real about art vs. erotica, media censorship, and why OnlyFans creators often budget better than magazines.This episode is for those:* Struggling with creative authenticity in conservative environments* Dealing with public criticism while building unconventional businesses* Managing multiple revenue streams as a freelance creative* Trying to price creative work appropriately* Navigating identity and business in traditional societies* Building resilience through public setbacksYou will learn:

In this episode of The Human Algorithm podcast, I sit down with Leow Yangfa, Executive Director of Oogachaga, for a profound conversation about visibility, vulnerability, and the quiet labour of building belonging in Singapore’s LGBTQIA+ community.For over two decades, Yangfa has worked across suicide prevention, public service, and LGBTQIA+ advocacy. But his story is not one of loud activism, it is one of steadfast service. From support groups in living rooms to a full-fledged counselling agency, Oogachaga has grown under his leadership into a vital safe space for queer Singaporeans navigating trauma, identity, and healing.Together, we reflect on what it means to lead a movement with care. Yangfa opens up about the emotional toll of advocacy, the bittersweet progress of the queer movement in Singapore, and the complex dance between being visible and staying safe. He shares how collaborations like the Revolut Diversity Card, now in its third year, represent more than just branding; they are lifelines, built on months of trust, intention, and backchannel planning.We also talk about elephants, chosen families, and the power of queer joy, how even in a world rife with discrimination and threats, joy becomes a form of resistance. Yangfa reminds us that behind every rainbow flag is not just pride, but the hard-won right to be visible without shame.In this episode, we discuss:— How Oogachaga began as a lifeline for survivors of conversion therapy— Why visibility must always be accompanied by safety— The unspoken emotional labour of queer leadership— What it means to hold space for grief and joy at the same time— The hope (and heartbreak) that comes from working with queer youth today— How chosen family, elephants, and golden retrievers keep Yangfa groundedIf you have ever felt the tension between being true to yourself and staying safe… if you have ever wondered whether quiet leadership matters… or if you are looking for a reminder that queer joy is not a luxury, but a birthright, this episode is for you.Oogachaga is more than an organisation, it is a living archive of community care, built on the backs of those who came before. As Yangfa says, “I may be small in stature, but I stand tall on the shoulders of giants.”Support their work by donating a minimum of S$10 in the Revolut app to receive this year’s rainbow-themed Diversity Card. Every dollar goes directly to providing professional counselling and support services for LGBTQIA+ individuals in Singapore.This Pride Month, let's sustain and not just celebrate.Human Algorithm is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit humanalgorithm.substack.com/subscribe

I never thought I would be the person telling brands how to appear more human on LinkedIn, but on 13 March, that is precisely what happened.I was on stage with LinkedIn and VaynerMedia, speaking about storytelling, authenticity, and how creators like me reshape how brands build trust, not with polish or perfection, but with personality.And here is what I told them:Brands must stop hiding behind logos and show the people behind the scenes. We connect with faces, not corporate speak. If you want your brand to be trusted, start spotlighting your team like your writers, engineers, creators, and founders. Don’t just talk about culture; show it.Take Morning Brew. I love how their journalists show up on LinkedIn and TikTok, breaking down complex news through hilarious skits. That is not “entertainment for entertainment’s sake” brand building through human storytelling.I also shared how I practice what I preach. I’ve been cutting up short clips from my podcast and sharing the most real, raw moments on LinkedIn. One clip hit over half a million views, the highest I have ever gotten, not because it was perfect, but because it was real.That’s the power of short-form video right now on LinkedIn. You don’t need Duolingo-level memes. You need eye contact. Emotion. Story. You cannot hide on video, which is precisely why it works.And for the brands wondering how to work with creators like me?Here is my rule: I will not promote anything and will not use it myself. If I have not tested your product or service, I am not putting my name behind it. I’ve built a brand around vulnerability and honesty. If I suddenly post something off-brand, my audience will feel it, and so will I.I also reminded the room that authenticity is not a strategy but a stance. It is not a gimmick for engagement. It is about telling the truth, even when it is messy. Like the CEO of Chocolate Finance did recently, he owned up to mistakes in a vulnerable LinkedIn post, and it resonated far beyond any polished PR response could have.When the Q&A rolled around, someone asked me: Where is the line between vulnerability and oversharing?Here is what I said: Talk about the human struggles people are already whispering about, such as burnout, mental health, and remote work tension. If you name it, you build trust. But do it with intention, not pity. Share to serve.The biggest misconception about LinkedIn is that it is still a place for job seekers and suits only. It is not. It is the most underrated platform for thought leadership and storytelling, especially in B2B. But only if you’re willing to show up as more than a headline or a product.So, whether you are a brand, a founder, or just someone figuring it out like I am, remember this: Every post is a chance to connect. Every video is a chance to be real. Every story is a chance to build something that lasts longer than a like.This is the new LinkedIn.And we are just getting started.Human Algorithm is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit humanalgorithm.substack.com/subscribe

At Brainlabs’ “Marketing to Algorithms: The Trends Your CEO Will Actually Care About in 2025, sponsored by LinkedIn, I spoke about the urgent shifts in content, influence, and storytelling.On the panel with me was Adelise Ashdown, Global Head of Brand and Client Experience, JLL, Su-Ren Neo, Group Head of Marketing & Director, LinkedIn Asia Pacific and Seema Punwani, Partner, R3.Marketing is no longer just about brand awareness. It is now a leadership strategy. The best CEOs approve marketing budgets and actively shape their company’s brand narrative through content creation.Storytelling is no longer optional. If your brand does not have a compelling story, someone else will tell it for you.Short-form video and creator-led marketing dominate, yet most brands are not adapting quickly enough. Internal creators, like CEOs, employees, and thought leaders, outperform traditional ads because audiences trust individuals more than faceless corporations.Read the full article here.Human Algorithm is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit humanalgorithm.substack.com/subscribe

What does it mean to grow up queer in a society that often demands conformity? To kick off the inaugural season of The Human Algorithm Podcast, I share my journey of navigating identity, acceptance, and self-discovery in Singapore's conservative landscape. This episode is unique because I answered questions that were sent in anonymously by you, the audience. Putting the questions to me is Yan Yi Chee, a legend in the advertising industry. She is the former general manager at BBH Asia Pacific and spent more than a decade at Ogilvy, where she last held the position of managing partner. She is now a development coach and thought partner at Matter, Inc.From the challenges of finding gender-neutral spaces to confronting societal expectations, I open up about the struggles I faced while embracing my true self in a culture that often values tradition over diversity. This episode explores the intersection of identity and belonging, the impact of cultural norms on personal growth, and how I found strength through authenticity and community. Tune in to hear: * The reality of living as a gender-fluid individual in a conservative society * The importance of representation and safe spaces for the LGBTQIA+ community* How breaking gender norms can lead to personal and professional empowerment* Practical steps towards fostering inclusion in workplaces and beyond Whether part of the LGBTQIA+ community, an ally, or simply curious to learn, this episode offers a raw, honest, and inspiring conversation on identity, resilience, and the fight for belonging.What to expect for the rest of Season 1While this episode is free, the upcoming episodes will only be available to paid subscribers. If you are already a free subscriber, you must upgrade to become a paying subscriber by pledging to listen to these episodes and other exclusive content coming up.I will feature exclusive up to 10-minute insights from each episode on YouTube and a teaser into the more significant conversations happening behind the paywall. This will give new audiences a taste of what’s to come, allowing them to engage with thought-provoking content before diving deeper into the whole experience.Thanks for reading Human Algorithm! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit humanalgorithm.substack.com/subscribe