Southeast Asia’s podcasting scene has evolved into a vibrant platform for voices that inform, entertain and inspire audiences across the region. Covering everything from candid conversations on culture and current affairs to deep dives into business, leadership, personal growth and everyday life, the region’s most popular podcast hosts are redefining how audiences consume stories and ideas. In this issue, Top 10 of Asia shares its list of top 10 of Southeast Asia’s most popular podcast hosts (presented in random order), who have captivated audiences with their distinctive voices and engaging conversations. Together, these hosts showcase the diversity and creativity of Southeast Asia’s podcasting landscape, connecting with listeners through authentic stories, fresh perspectives and conversations that resonate.
Papa Dudut (The Philippines)
Renzmark Jairuz L. Ricafrente, professionally known as Papa Dudut, is a Filipino radio personality, broadcaster, TV personality, content creator and entrepreneur from Guinayangan, Quezon Province, Philippines. He has established a strong presence in Philippine broadcasting through his distinctive storytelling, engaging conversations and genuine connection with his audience. As the voice and host of Barangay Love Stories, Papa Dudut has become widely recognised for bringing real-life stories of love, relationships, family and life experiences to Filipino listeners. His influence has expanded beyond traditional radio, with Barangay Love Stories achieving the #1 spot on Spotify, demonstrating his strong digital reach and connection with audiences across streaming platforms. Today, Papa Dudut is also a TV personality on GMA-7, appearing in the television adaptation of Barangay Love Stories. Beyond broadcasting and entertainment, Papa Dudut is also an entrepreneur and content creator. His journey from Guinayangan, Quezon Province to radio, digital streaming and national television reflects his passion for storytelling, his ability to evolve with the changing media landscape, and his enduring connection with audiences in the Philippines and around the world.
Johnathan Chua (Singapore)
Johnathan Chua is a prominent Singaporean media entrepreneur and podcast host, best known for hosting The Daily Ketchup Podcast, a MOSG venture from the same team behind Real Talk. Described as a news commentary podcast covering the latest and quirkiest happenings in Singapore and around the world, the show highlights Johnathan’s ability to turn current affairs and cultural conversations into engaging, relatable discussions. As co-founder and CEO of GRVTY Media, the digital media collective behind Vulcan Post, Millennials of Singapore and The Playbook, Johnathan has played a pivotal role in shaping Singapore’s modern digital media landscape. Since 2017, the group has pioneered the micro-documentary format and brought conversations around heavy and often taboo social topics, including mental health, into the mainstream. With his sharp perspectives, conversational style and instinct for compelling stories, Johnathan continues to make his mark as a distinctive voice in Singapore’s podcasting and digital media scene.
Ashley Rivera and Hershey Neri (The Philippines)
Ashley Rivera and Hershey Neri are the hosts behind Chicks2Go, one of the Philippines most popular podcasts where good vibes, big laughs and real-life girl talk all come together. The podcast is similar to a favourite group chat but with a microphone. It focuses on debates, hilarious stories, relatable moments and conversations. From “Walang Kwentang Moments” and dating tips to everyday struggles, funny experiences and everything under the sun, the girls talk about the things that make life exciting, confusing, hilarious and sometimes a little messy. More than just a podcast, Chicks2Go is a space to laugh, learn, heal and simply enjoy the moment. The podcast is like a cold soda on a hot, sunny day; a warm cup of coffee while the rain is falling or afternoon tea on a cool, breezy afternoon. Whatever the mood, whatever the situation, Chicks2Go is the perfect company for listeners.
Sofia Arissa and Wirda Elliesa (Singapore)
Sofia Arissa and Wirda Elliesa are the dynamic voices behind The Chic Code Podcast, a refreshing lifestyle media platform where chic style, comedy and candid conversations come together. Founded by two of Singapore’s top-charting podcasters, the platform is curated for modern women seeking inspiring stories, relatable experiences and plenty of laughter. Covering beauty and lifestyle, girlhood, motherhood, travel, interiors and chic living, Sofia and Wirda explore it all through an intentional, stylish and effortlessly humorous lens. Their signature approach transforms everyday conversations into engaging stories that empower, entertain and resonate with women at every stage of life. With the success of the podcast, the team has evolved into a successful marketing and advertising platform for brands, using viral hooks and creative social media content to garner virality with every post. Blending podcasts with captivating visual storytelling, The Chic Code has built a vibrant space where women can laugh, connect, feel inspired and embrace every beautifully imperfect part of life.
Maggy Wang (Malaysia)
Maggy Wang is the creator and host of Head Over Heels, one of Malaysia’s trailblazing female-led podcasts. Launched in 2020 with a mission she sums up simply as “to be the voice I never had”, the show has grown into a 100-episode-strong movement built on real, honest conversations about what it means to be a modern Asian woman: from love and identity to dating, mental health and the taboo topics most are afraid to say out loud. No fluff, full feels and the kind of conversations you send straight to the group chat, that’s the Head Over Heels signature. Over the years, Maggy has turned honesty into a loyal community, one that spills off the screen and into Heelers House, her live event series that sells out every time. A magnetic host across TV, digital and live events, Maggy brings that same warmth to every stage. More than a podcaster, she’s built a home for a generation of women who finally feel heard.
Haresh Tilani and Terence Chia (Singapore)
Described as “robust conversations with a touch of humour”, this dynamic duo – Haresh Tilani and Terence Chia, have featured a diverse range of guests, from politicians such as Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Ministers Ong Ye Kung, Chan Chun Sing and K. Shanmugam, international diplomats like Kishore Mahbubani, CEOs like Ho Kwon Ping, athletes, filmmakers, scientists and even Singapore’s presidential candidates. Launched in 2020, Yah Lah BUT (YLB) has become one of Singapore’s top podcasts, delivering sharp, unfiltered discussions on news, current affairs and social issues—all with a comedic twist. With more than 110,000 followers and over 8 million streams across 800+ episodes, YLB consistently ranks among the top podcasts on Spotify Singapore. Beyond the studio, they have successfully extended their reach into live events, with multiple sold-out shows that brought their community of fans together in an electrifying, interactive setting.
Jamalluddin Daris & Adhitya Ari Wibowo (Indonesia)
Jamalluddin Daris and his partner, Adhitya Ari Wibowo founded and host the Lentera Malam podcast since its launch in April 2020. The duo are also content creators on YouTube and other social media platforms where they focus on producing horror-related podcasts. Lentera Malam was created to share various true stories from different sources and individuals. The podcast has successfully attracted the attention of horror enthusiasts and continues to grow as one of the most popular horror podcasts in Indonesia. For six years, Lentera Malam has been regarded as one of the best horror podcasts in Indonesia. It won the Best Horror Podcast in Indonesia at the Spotify Awards for three consecutive years – 2023, 2024 and 2025. In addition, three episodes of Lentera Malam have inspired movies including, Selepas Tahlil (After Du’a) (2025), Maryam (2025) and Putri, Jangan Gentayangan Lagi (Putrii, Don’t Wander Anymore) (2026). Jamalluddin and Adhitya remain committed to presenting stories that are not only entertaining but also spark curiosity and and keep their audience on the edge of their seats.
GB Labrador, James Caraan, Nonong Ballinan, Ryan Rems & Muman Reyes (The Philippines)
GB Labrador, James Caraan, Nonong Ballinan, Ryan Rems and Muman Reyes are the charismatic podcast hosts behind The KoolPals, a Filipino comedy podcast that has become a standout destination for hilarious, unfiltered and refreshingly spontaneous conversations. With their distinct personalities and effortless chemistry, the five hosts tackle everything from pop culture and current events and celebrity stories to childhood nostalgia and the wonderfully random topics that emerge when good comedians get behind a microphone. Their episodes feature lively guest interviews, irreverent discussions and plenty of unexpected moments. The KoolPals has built a dedicated following that embraces its funny and open-minded approach to conversation. Beyond the podcast, the hosts bring their infectious energy to live recordings and comedy performances, creating an engaging community where fans can enjoy their favourite personalities both on screen and on stage.
Deddy Corbuzier (Indonesia)
Deddy Corbuzier is one of Indonesia’s most recognisable podcast hosts, best known for CloseTheDoor, a podcast featured on his YouTube channel. The podcast discusses current conditions in Indonesia, the latest news, inspirational stories and other aspects of its sources that are not widely known to the public. Through conversations with guests from diverse backgrounds, Deddy explores a broad range of topics while bringing attention to perspectives, experiences and stories that may not always receive widespread attention. His direct and conversational approach creates engaging discussions that go beyond the headlines, allowing audiences to gain deeper insights into both current issues and the people behind the stories. Through CloseTheDoor, Deddy has built a distinctive platform for conversations that inform, inspire and reveal lesser-known aspects of its guests and the issues shaping Indonesia.
Rawit Hanutsaha (Thailand)
Rawit Hanutsaha is an award-winning podcast host and the founder of Mission To The Moon, an online media company dedicated to creating and sharing knowledge on business, marketing, work, inspiration and self-improvement. As the host of the Mission To The Moon Podcast, Rawit has built one of the most established business programmes in Thailand’s podcast space, covering entrepreneurship, marketing trends and leadership in a practical, actionable way. The podcast was ranked among the top five most-listened-to podcasts on Apple Podcasts in Thailand, highlighting its impressive reach and influence. Frequently featuring high-level executives and industry experts, the show delivers valuable insights for listeners seeking to improve productivity, sharpen their professional skills or scale their businesses. Its core audience of entrepreneurs, decision-makers and ambitious professionals has made it a powerful platform for professional development. Mission To The Moon continues to stand out as a leading voice in Thailand’s business podcast landscape.