Izzy Does It

How I met my dad for the first time after 36 years

For the first time, I switched seats.
After years of hosting conversations on Izzy Does It, I become the one being interviewed. What unfolds is a deeply personal story about growing up estranged from my Thai father, living 36 years without him, and the unexpected journey that led to our reunion in Bangkok.
In this episode, Tiwin Aji helped me unpack:• What it was like growing up without a father• The stories I created as a child to make sense of the absence• The anger, confusion, and quiet grief that followed me into adulthood• The internal work it took to release resentment• The almost unbelievable chain of events that led to finally meeting my father face to face
Thank you to Tiwin for holding space for this conversation. If this episode resonates with you, share it with someone who needs it.
💡Izzy Does It is free to watch and if you believe it brings value, please consider helping us keep the show going by contributing to the bank account below.
BIBD: 00-001-01-0086040
The amount can range from the least transferable amount (BND1.01) to however much you are willing and capable. Other ways you can support us is by following, subscribing, liking, commenting and sharing this with your friends and family! Thank you so much!
An Izzy Does It Media Production (Instagram: @izzydoesitmedia)
Business: izzydoesitpodcast@gmail.com

Dr Siti Khadijah: What It Takes To Be a Woman

In this episode, I sit down with Dr Siti Khadijah Ismail, an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist from JPMC, for an honest and much needed conversation about women’s mental and physical health. We talk about motherhood, fertility, the pressures women face, and how deeply health decisions affect not just the body but the mind too.
Dr Siti Khadijah shares insights from her years of experience, breaks down misconceptions, and reminds us that women’s concerns are valid and deserve to be taken seriously. This episode is for women who need reassurance that their health matters, and for men who want to better understand how to show up as supportive partners, friends, and family members.
💡Izzy Does It is free to watch and if you believe it brings value, please consider helping us keep the show going by contributing to the bank account below.
BIBD: 00-001-01-0086040
The amount can range from the least transferable amount (BND1.01) to however much you are willing and capable. Other ways you can support us is by following, subscribing, liking, commenting and sharing this with your friends and family! Thank you so much!
An Izzy Does It Media Production (Instagram: @izzydoesitmedia)
Business: izzydoesitpodcast@gmail.com

Ustaz Mizi Wahid: This Is What We Need To Understand About Men

Since it was my first time meeting Ustaz Mizi Wahid, I took the opportunity to get to know him: who he was before becoming an ustaz, where he came from, and how he discovered his calling.
We then spoke how praise can be just as dangerous for the heart as criticism. That being put on a pedestal carries its own weight. And that faith, leadership, and public visibility come with quiet struggles people don’t always see.
We also went deep into men’s mental health. Why more men are struggling in silence. Why suicide rates among men are rising. And why vulnerability is not weakness. Ustaz Mizi reminds us that our Prophet Muhammad showed softness, emotion, and openness, and that men are allowed to do the same. This is a jam-packed episode filled with wisdom and meaning so get cozy and press play!
💡Izzy Does It is free to watch and if you believe it brings value, please consider helping us keep the show going by contributing to the bank account below.
BIBD: 00-001-01-0086040
The amount can range from the least transferable amount (BND1.01) to however much you are willing and capable. Other ways you can support us is by following, subscribing, liking, commenting and sharing this with your friends and family!
Thank you so much! An Izzy Does It Media Production (Instagram: @izzydoesitmedia)
Business: izzydoesitpodcast@gmail.com

Rayyan Sufian: Why It's Important For Vendors and Event Organisers To Do Their Part

Set against the beautiful backdrop of Kampong Ayer, I had the privilege of sitting down with four incredible individuals at the recent BIBD Mega Karnival. This is the second episode of the series!
 
Rayyan, founder of Heritage Bakwa, returns to the podcast for the third time. This time, he brings a vendor’s perspective on large-scale events like the Karnival. We talk about the preparation that goes into it, the real costs involved, and how he approaches marketing to drive people to his booth.
 
💡Izzy Does It is free to watch and if you believe it brings value, please consider helping us keep the show going by contributing to the bank account below.
 
BIBD: 00-001-01-0086040
 
The amount can range from the least transferable amount (BND1.01) to however much you are willing and capable. Other ways you can support us is by following, subscribing, liking, commenting and sharing this with your friends and family! Thank you so much!
 
An Izzy Does It Media Production (Instagram: @izzydoesitmedia)
 
Business: izzydoesitpodcast@gmail.com

Chiew Si Yan: Why Local Artists Are Struggling

Set against the beautiful backdrop of Kampong Ayer, I had the privilege of sitting down with four incredible individuals at the recent BIBD Mega Karnival. This is the first episode of this series!
 
This week, you’ll hear from Yan of JIRA Art Collective as she opens up about the reality of being an artist. She shares why she doesn’t see a career in the creative arts as a straightforward option, and how JIRA became a meaningful outlet for her creativity instead.
 
💡Izzy Does It is free to watch and if you believe it brings value, please consider helping us keep the show going by contributing to the bank account below.
 
BIBD: 00-001-01-0086040
 
The amount can range from the least transferable amount (BND1.01) to however much you are willing and capable. Other ways you can support us is by following, subscribing, liking, commenting and sharing this with your friends and family! Thank you so much!
 
An Izzy Does It Media Production (Instagram: @izzydoesitmedia)
 
Business: izzydoesitpodcast@gmail.com

Zahra Rose: Faith & Sports Come Hand-in-Hand

In this episode, Zahra Rose shares what it was like growing up in Hastings, UK where she endured racial abuse at a young age and how those very experiences made her resilient and work harder. She opens us about the reason why she started wearing the hijab, and how her social media journey shifted from fashion & make-up into advocating for representation, safer spaces and visibility for Muslim women in marketing campaigns, advertisements, and especially sports!
 
After breaking her leg in a skiing accident, Strava approached her to do the New York Marathon which she said yes to despite not being able to walk at the time! It's the perfect episode so watch as the new year is just around the corner so get cozy and press play!
 
💡Izzy Does It is free to watch and if you believe it brings value, please consider helping us keep the show going by contributing to the bank account below.
 
BIBD: 00-001-01-0086040
 
The amount can range from the least transferable amount (BND1.01) to however much you are willing and capable. Other ways you can support us is by following, subscribing, liking, commenting and sharing this with your friends and family! Thank you so much!
 
An Izzy Does It Media Production (Instagram: @izzydoesitmedia)
 
Business: izzydoesitpodcast@gmail.com

Zainal Bostaman: Founder of BruHaha in the House!

In this episode, I sit down with the founder of BruHaha and the one who (imo, at least!) pioneered the standup comedy scene in the Sultanate, Zainal Bostaman! Get ready everyone, this episode will take you in for a ride because there is so much lore we got into. Zainal shares how, from used to having severe stage fright to getting into standup. How he used to fantasize worst case scenarios just so he doesn't have to go to work, all the way to doing 100 shows in UK and New York respectively!
 
It's a jam packed episode so you know what to do: get cozy and press play!
 
💡Izzy Does It is free to watch and if you believe it brings value, please consider helping us keep the show going by contributing to the bank account below.
 
BIBD: 00-001-01-0086040
 
The amount can range from the least transferable amount (BND1.01) to however much you are willing and capable. Other ways you can support us is by following, subscribing, liking, commenting and sharing this with your friends and family! Thank you so much!
 
An Izzy Does It Media Production.
 
Business: izzydoesitpodcast@gmail.com

Danial Hakim: Living the Barber Life

In this episode, I sit down with Dan, a barber from Unorthodox whose path is anything but traditional. After facing a difficult period in his life, Dan made the bold decision to drop out of his master’s program and pursue barbering full time. His story challenges the idea that success has only one route and shines a light on the courage it takes to choose a life that feels right rather than one that simply looks right on paper.
 
This is a conversation I have wanted to have for a long time. It is for anyone who feels trapped by expectations, unsure of their next step, or unaware of the possibilities that exist outside the usual career paths. Dan opens up about his journey, the discipline behind his craft, and answers the barbering questions I have always been curious about.
 
You know what to do: get cozy and press play!
 
💡Izzy Does It is free to watch and if you believe it brings value, please consider helping us keep the show going by contributing to the bank account below.
 
BIBD: 00-001-01-0086040
 
The amount can range from the least transferable amount (BND1.01) to however much you are willing and capable. Other ways you can support us is by following, subscribing, liking, commenting and sharing this with your friends and family! Thank you so much!
 
A DOES IT Studio Production
 
Business: izzydoesitpodcast@gmail.com

Ninjatutul: An Honest Conversation about Career, Change, and Conundrums

Brunei's favourite edutainer is back! In this episode, Ninjatutul opens up about her journey of rediscovering purpose and identity in a world that often expects us to have one label. Once driven to make change and make a positive impact, she found herself losing motivation after years of being told “it is what it is”.This is an honest and vulnerable conversation, one I hope will spark meaningful discussions about change - is it something we want or is it just a buzzword?
 
You know what to do: get cozy and press play!
 
💡Izzy Does It is free to watch and if you believe it brings value, please consider helping us keep the show going by contributing to the bank account below.
 
BIBD: 00-001-01-0086040
 
The amount can range from the least transferable amount (BND1.01) to however much you are willing and capable. Other ways you can support us is by following, subscribing, liking, commenting and sharing this with your friends and family! Thank you so much!
 
A Tiala Studio Production (Instagram: @tialastudio)
 
Business: izzydoesitpodcast@gmail.com

Reyza: Left Her Family Behind to Join The Global Sumud Flotilla for Gaza

In this episode, I sit down with Reyza, a 39-year-old mother of five from Brunei, who joined the Sumud Flotilla — a global humanitarian mission to Gaza. From her departure in Italy to surviving a drone attack at sea, Reyza shares her story of courage, faith, and conviction in the face of real danger. With limited communication and uncertainty surrounding their journey, she opens up about what drives her to risk everything for Palestine.
 
She also shares the criticism she received for joining the GSF.
 
You know what to do: get cozy and press play!
 
💡Izzy Does It is free to watch and if you believe it brings value, please consider helping us keep the show going by contributing to the bank account below.
 
BIBD: 00-001-01-0086040
 
The amount can range from the least transferable amount (BND1.01) to however much you are willing and capable. Other ways you can support us is by following, subscribing, liking, commenting and sharing this with your friends and family! Thank you so much!
 
A Tiala Studio Production (Instagram: @tialastudio)
 
Business: izzydoesitpodcast@gmail.com

Pg Zulqarnain: Why The Art of Keris-making is Personal To Me

In this episode, I sit down with Pg Zulqarnain, known as the last active keris maker in Brunei. He opens up about his journey of becoming a bladesmith, the intricate process behind crafting a keris, and how his work connects deeply to his lineage and identity.
 
Pg Zulqarnain’s story is one of perseverance and purpose, as he continues to preserve the fading art of keris making despite challenges and rejection, all while honoring his family’s legacy.
 
You know what to do: get cozy and press play!
 
💡Izzy Does It is free to watch and if you believe it brings value, please consider helping us keep the show going by contributing to the bank account below.
 
BIBD: 00-001-01-0086040
 
The amount can range from the least transferable amount (BND1.01) to however much you are willing and capable. Other ways you can support us is by following, subscribing, liking, commenting and sharing this with your friends and family! Thank you so much!
 
A Tiala Studio Production (Instagram: @tialastudio)
 
Business: izzydoesitpodcast@gmail.com

Pavloeva: A Look Into Brunei's Food Scene

In this episode, we sit down with Pavloeva, one of Brunei’s most talked-about food content creators. Known for her brutally honest reviews, she opens up about her creative beginnings, the backlash she’s faced, and the realities of navigating online hate. She shares how her past struggles with an eating disorder shaped her relationship with food, how she’s learned to stay grounded in an industry filled with double standards, and why honesty will always be her brand — even when it’s uncomfortable.
 
You know what to do: get cozy and press play!
 
💡Izzy Does It is free to watch and if you believe it brings value, please consider helping us keep the show going by contributing to the bank account below.
 
BIBD: 00-001-01-0086040
 
The amount can range from the least transferable amount (BND1.01) to however much you are willing and capable. Other ways you can support us is by following, subscribing, liking, commenting and sharing this with your friends and family! Thank you so much!
 
A Tiala Studio Production (Instagram: @tialastudio) Business: izzydoesitpodcast@gmail.com

Let’s Talk About Investing with Baiduri Capital

In this special episode of Izzy Does It, created in collaboration with Baiduri Capital for their 10-Year Anniversary and in conjunction with World Investor Week 2025, we dive into the world of investing in Brunei. 🌍💸
 
First, you’ll hear from Muhammad Hanif, a Baiduri Capital client, as he shares his investment journey, the wins, the lessons, and what kept him going. Then, I sit down with Yeo Kun Yu, Manager of Investment Sales and Chief Dealer at Baiduri Capital, to talk about how investing has changed in Brunei, the services Baiduri Capital offers, and the opportunities available for both new and experienced investors.
 
Whether you’re just starting out or already investing, this episode is full of insights to help you begin or take the next step in your journey.
 
👉 Don’t forget: until 31 December 2025, Baiduri Capital has waived the minimum deposit requirement to open a trading account.
 
For more information, call 226 8588 or email baiduricapitalservices@baiduri.com.
 
🎧 Tune in, learn with me, and take that first step into your own investment future.

Apakanfizah: Third Time Was *Not* A Charm

Apakanfizah is back for a second round and she is spilling all the tea on what happened since the last time we saw her! Back then she was an upcoming content creator. Now, she's doing it full-time! She also shared the reason why her third attempt in working things out with her ex-husband didn't work out. You know what to do: get cozy and press play!
 
💡Izzy Does It is free to watch and if you believe it brings value, please consider helping us keep the show going by contributing to the bank account below.
 
BIBD: 00-001-01-0086040
 
The amount can range from the least transferable amount (BND1.01) to however much you are willing and capable. Other ways you can support us is by following, subscribing, liking, commenting and sharing this with your friends and family! Thank you so much!
 
A Tiala Studio Production (Instagram: @tialastudio)
 
Business: izzydoesitpodcast@gmail.com

Dr Susan Carland: From Christianity to Islam at 19 years old

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Susan Carland: academic, writer, speaker, wife, and mother who specialises in Sociology and Religion. Born into a Christian family, Susan embraced Islam at the age of 19, a decision that sparked both challenges and profound personal growth. We dive into her journey of faith, identity, and intellect from her early struggles with belief to the defining moment of her syahadah.
 
Along the way, Dr Susan shares:
• The intersections (and tensions) between feminism and women in Islam
• Practicing intellectual humility in matters of faith
• The moment she had to break the news to her family
• A funny story during her syahadah
• Why she chose to immediately wear the tudong
• Choosing Islam out of conviction, not compulsion
• Raising children with faith — encouraging them to embrace Islam by choice
 
This conversation is for anyone who’s wrestled with faith, questioned identity, or sought meaning beyond tradition.
 
💡Izzy Does It is free to watch and if you've believe it brings value, please consider helping us keep the show going by contributing to the bank account below.
 
BIBD: 00-001-01-0086040
 
The amount can range from the least transferable amount (BND1.01) to however much you are willing and capable. Other ways you can support us is by following, subscribing, liking, commenting and sharing this with your friends and family! Thank you so much!
 
A Tiala Studio Production (Instagram: @tialastudio)
 
Business: izzydoesitpodcast@gmail.com

This Is How Rayyan Cracked The Marketing Code

The first time we met Rayyan on Izzy Does It, he shared how he started his entrepreneurial journey before he was of legal age. He also teased Heritage Bakwa, which has now become a full-fledged brand with a cult following. Today, he takes us behind the scenes of how he started documenting his journey on social media, mastering the art of storytelling to grow a community online, and utilising social media to market with impact. He is spilling all the secret sauce for anyone who's looking to start their own brand.
 
This conversation is a masterclass in turning vision into reality so get cozy and press play!
 
Izzy Does It is free to watch and if you want more, please consider helping us keep the show going by contributing to the bank account below.
 
BIBD: 00-001-01-0086040
 
The amount can range from the least transferable amount (BND1.01) to however much you are willing and capable. Other ways you can support us is by following, subscribing, liking, commenting and sharing this with your friends and family! Thank you so much!
 
A Tiala Studio Production (Instagram: @tialastudio)
Business: izzydoesitpodcast@gmail.com

Is Main Character Energy Narcissistic?

In this solo episode, I talk about main character energy in general, and how it can become toxic energy. It's a short and casual session so put on your headphones, and press play!

Mel Jaini: The Truth About Overprotection and Why It Hurts More Than Helps

This conversation really shifted something in me and I hope it will do the same for you. In this episode I sit down with Melline Jaini aka Mel, General Manager of UNIKLEARN, a program under An-Nur Harapan, and what I walked away with was a new understanding not just of autism, but of our own deeply ingrained instinct to overprotect. We often see individuals on the spectrum or persons with disabilities as incapable of performing certain tasks not out of malice, but out of compassion. We, especially parents and guardians, think we’re helping by shielding them. But what if, in doing so, we’re holding them back from discovering what they’re truly capable of? At UNIKLEARN, Mel and her team are changing that. They’re providing the space, tools, and support for individuals to learn, grow, and work with dignity and independence. Mel also shares her personal journey coming from a commercial background, facing her own challenges and how she eventually found deep purpose in this work. This one’s an invitation to unlearn, rethink, and imagine a more inclusive world.
 
📺 Watch the full episode now and join the conversation! Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe. 🎙✨
 
A Tiala Studio Production (Instagram: @tialastudio)
 
This episode is powered by Heidelberg Materials. Thank you for your commitment in fostering a more compassionate and inclusive community.
 
Business: izzydoesitpodcast@gmail.com

Danial Hakim: The Para Swimmer Making His Mark

In this episode, I sat down with Danial Hakim who shared his journey of being diagnosed with osteosarcoma at 7 years old, a rare and aggressive form of bone cancer. After surviving it, he returned to the sport he loved — swimming. Through hard work and determination, Danial went on to represent Brunei as a paraswimmer, proudly bagging medals! Danial’s story will move and inspire anyone facing their own battles, reminding us all that anything is possible as long as you have the will to keep going.
 
A Tiala Studio Production (Instagram: @tialastudio)
 
This episode is powered by Heidelberg Materials. Thank you for your commitment in fostering a more compassionate and inclusive community.
 
Business: izzydoesitpodcast@gmail.com

Malai Didi episode recap: Dealing with grief, and talking about autism

In this episode, IZZY reflects on the themes of grief and loss, sharing personal experiences and insights from the previous episode featuring Malay Didi, CEO of Smarter Brunei. The conversation delves into the complexities of grief, the importance of emotional support, and the impact of caregiving, particularly in the context of autism awareness. IZZY emphasizes the inevitability of grief and the necessity of allowing oneself to feel and process emotions, while also discussing the challenges faced by families caring for loved ones with special needs.