

Made in Dubai with Spencer Lodge
Spencer Lodge
Formerly the Unscripted Podcast with Spencer Lodge
Join Spencer Lodge as he connects with the most fascinating personalities in Dubai. A city that rose from the desert sands to become one of the most ambitious, innovative and inspiring places on Earth. Behind its glittering skyline are people with stories just as extraordinary - pioneers, dreamers and doers who dared to turn bold visions into reality.
Made in Dubai is where those stories are told. Hosted by Spencer Lodge, each episode is a front-row seat to conversations with the people shaping the UAE's future — from business leaders and record-breakers to cultural icons and creative disruptors.
But this isn't just about their success. It's about the journey - the risks they took, the challenges they faced and the moments that defined them. It's about the unique magic of Dubai: a place where ambition meets opportunity, where cultures from around the world collide to create something truly special and where anything feels possible.
Whether you're an entrepreneur searching for your next big move, someone curious about life in the UAE or simply in need of inspiration, Made in Dubai is your invitation to step inside this vibrant city and meet the people who make it remarkable.
If it was made in Dubai, you'll hear it here.
Join Spencer Lodge as he connects with the most fascinating personalities in Dubai. A city that rose from the desert sands to become one of the most ambitious, innovative and inspiring places on Earth. Behind its glittering skyline are people with stories just as extraordinary - pioneers, dreamers and doers who dared to turn bold visions into reality.
Made in Dubai is where those stories are told. Hosted by Spencer Lodge, each episode is a front-row seat to conversations with the people shaping the UAE's future — from business leaders and record-breakers to cultural icons and creative disruptors.
But this isn't just about their success. It's about the journey - the risks they took, the challenges they faced and the moments that defined them. It's about the unique magic of Dubai: a place where ambition meets opportunity, where cultures from around the world collide to create something truly special and where anything feels possible.
Whether you're an entrepreneur searching for your next big move, someone curious about life in the UAE or simply in need of inspiration, Made in Dubai is your invitation to step inside this vibrant city and meet the people who make it remarkable.
If it was made in Dubai, you'll hear it here.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 18, 2023 • 1h 5min
#257: Secrets to True Financial Freedom! Lisa Johnson's Blueprint for Achieving Passive Income Dreams
If you're British, and you think of Passive Income, it's likely that your next thought will be 'Lisa Johnson'. Ladies and Gents, it's an honour and a pleasure to welcome The Queen of Passive Income, Lisa Johnson, back to The Spencer Lodge Podcast. Lisa is not just funny, engaging, and interesting; she's an absolute gem and a very good friend of mine! Many of us want financial freedom, but the path to achieving it is often full of scams, lies and fake gurus. That's exactly where Lisa steps in. As an award-winning business strategist, Lisa has the know-how to help individuals generate both passive and semi-passive income streams, transforming their business dreams into a tangible reality. However, Lisa isn't just about driving growth - she's also extremely passionate about creating a positive impact to change people's lives. Tune in as Lisa shares her invaluable insights on the ethics of building an online business, how to navigate selling techniques with integrity, and why she's so passionate about anti-bullying initiatives. Prepare to be inspired, but also educated and entertained as Lisa guides us through her secrets to achieving massive success. If you've ever dreamt of making money online and want to do it right, then this episode is the one for you! Discussion points: 02:27 Lisa's thoughts on bullying09:01 More about Lisa's career11:38 Ethics and selling techniques24:50 Lisa's thoughts on women empowerment36:37 The solution to eliminate manipulative selling41:05 What makes Lisa happy Show Sponsors: Najahi Events: The UAE's leading event promoter https://www.instagram.com/najahievents/?hl=en Socials: Spencer Lodge https://www.instagram.com/spencer.lodge/?hl=en https://www.tiktok.com/@spencer.lodge https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencerlodge/ https://www.youtube.com/c/SpencerLodgeTVhttps://www.facebook.com/spencerlodgeofficial/ Lisa Johnsonhttps://www.instagram.com/lisajohnsonstrategist/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-johnson-642479231/

Sep 11, 2023 • 1h 23min
#256: Overcoming Betrayal and Addiction: Peter McCormack's Journey from Despair to Bitcoin Success
Few experiences are as devastating as discovering that your wife has cheated on you, especially with your BEST FRIEND. When Peter McCormack went through this heartbreak, he spiralled into a deep abyss of despair, and caught in its throes, he turned to substance abuse, leading to a dangerous addiction. However, Peter refused to let this dictate the rest of his story and turned his life around completely. Today, he is the mastermind behind the renowned "What Bitcoin Did" podcast and the Chairman of Real Bedford FC – a football club he purchased with crypto. Join me as we explore Peter's personal transformation and take a deep dive into his Bitcoin journey. He also opens up about his battle with depression and shares how he overcame his addictions. This episode is a must-listen if you want to listen to Peter's story or are interested in learning more about cryptocurrencies. Tune in now and get ready to be blown away by Peter's epic insights and fascinating story! Discussion points: 02:59 Why he started podcasting11:30 About Peter's journey15:09 How he got into Bitcoin17:30 A bad combination of unfortunate events in Peter's life21:00 His battle with depression33:33 Money and Bitcoin1:02:26 How he came to buy his football club Show Sponsors: Najahi Events: The UAE's leading event promoter https://www.instagram.com/najahievents/?hl=en Socials: Spencer Lodge https://www.instagram.com/spencer.lodge/?hl=en https://www.tiktok.com/@spencer.lodge https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencerlodge/ https://www.youtube.com/c/SpencerLodgeTV https://www.facebook.com/spencerlodgeofficial/ Peter McCormackhttps://www.instagram.com/mccormack555/ https://www.facebook.com/peter.mccormack.921 https://www.linkedin.com/in/petermccormack1/

Sep 4, 2023 • 1h 21min
#255: The Secret to Mental Wellbeing and Stepping Out of Suffering with Psychotherapist Owen O'Kane
Get ready for a captivating episode where resilience meets self-discovery! On this week's episode, we're joined by Owen O'Kane, a psychotherapist, Sunday Times bestselling author, and a prolific speaker who has spent over 25 years translating psychological insights into actionable steps for a more fulfilling life. Owen's journey through the complexities of his upbringing during the Troubles in Northern Ireland, whilst navigating his sexuality, adds a fascinating twist to our conversation. We discuss a wide range of topics, including the impact of religion on his life, growing up amidst conflict, and his powerful insights on stepping out of suffering. Owen's latest book, "How to Be Your Own Therapist," is a focal point of our chat as we uncover practical ways to enhance mental well-being and deepen self-understanding. With his down-to-earth personality and inspiring journey, Owen offers valuable insights that will resonate with anyone looking to improve their mental and emotional well-being. Are you ready to supercharge your life? Hit that play button now! Discussion points: 03:20 Leaving his job to become an author08:33 Owen's upbringing 16:10 Owen's religious experiences20:28 Working in palliative care23:29 Stepping out of your own suffering28:27 Understanding your narrative 42:15 A look at his book, "How to Be Your Own Therapist"49:40 The power of social media53:22 Fear as a driver, obstacle or protective mechanism1:03:20 How men and women process emotion Show Sponsors: Najahi Events: The UAE's leading event promoter https://www.instagram.com/najahievents/?hl=en Socials: Spencer Lodge https://www.instagram.com/spencer.lodge/?hl=en https://www.tiktok.com/@spencer.lodge https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencerlodge/ https://www.youtube.com/c/SpencerLodgeTV https://www.facebook.com/spencerlodgeofficial/ Owen O'Kanehttps://www.instagram.com/owenokaneten/ https://www.facebook.com/owenokaneten https://www.linkedin.com/in/owen-o-kane-10465841/

Aug 28, 2023 • 1h 41min
#254: Not Guilty: Innocent Man Spends 22 Years on Death Row! The Unbelievable Story of Nick Yarris
Three years ago, I had the privilege of sharing the astonishing story of Nick Yarris. Little did I know, that our conversation would impact me the way it did. In 1982, at just 21, Nick was wrongfully convicted of murder he did not commit, and spent a mind-numbing 22 years on death row in Pennsylvania. His fate would have been sealed forever, was it not for his thirst for knowledge, which led him to devour many books and discover DNA testing in an article. He became the first death row prisoner to seek and insist on DNA testing, which ultimately revealed and proved his innocence. In this episode, I have the privilege of not only welcoming Nick back on the podcast for the third time, but also meeting him face-to-face for the first time ever. His remarkable story moves me every time I hear it, and I know it will do the same for you. During our conversation, we revisit the moment Nick's life changed by being sentenced to death, his traumatising prison memories, how he discovered a way to prove his innocence and his encouraging message to everyone. Despite all of the setbacks and injustices he faced, Nick remains one of the kindest people I know and will always be a dear friend. Tune in now for a conversation like no other. Discussion points: 16:13 About Nick's background18:14 Where his trauma began24:37 The moment that completely changed Nick's life32:48 Traumatising memories from being in prison37:42 More info about the murder trial46:11 How he escaped custody55:16 Turning himself back in to the police1:00:32 The moment he discovered DNA testing1:07:37 Police and injustice1:26:12 What being tortured taught him1:30:35 What makes him believe in God1:36:27 Nick's message to everyone Show Sponsors: Najahi Events: The UAE's leading event promoter https://www.instagram.com/najahievents/?hl=en Socials: Spencer Lodge https://www.instagram.com/spencer.lodge/?hl=en https://www.tiktok.com/@spencer.lodge https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencerlodge/ https://www.youtube.com/c/SpencerLodgeTV https://www.facebook.com/spencerlodgeofficial/ Nick Yarrishttps://www.instagram.com/nickyarris/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-yarris-9439578b

Aug 21, 2023 • 1h 4min
#253: BBC Dragons' Den Star Sara Davies MBE on Finding Opportunity and Building a Multimillion-Pound Business Empire
What you see is what you get with Sara Davies MBE – multi-millionaire, business mogul and now a TV sensation. But besides her remarkable accolades, Sara is one of the most down to earth celebrities you will ever meet, and exactly the relatable person she portrays on social media. Continuing my London Series, I recently caught up with Sara - a good friend and someone I have massive respect for. Sara found a goldmine in crafting. Having started her career in Crafting, Sara quickly learnt that the key to selling was to tap into people's emotions, relatability and lifestyles. This led her to create Crafter's Companion, a global crafting retailer that has taken the world by storm. During this fascinating conversation, Sara discusses her entrepreneurial journey, shares key lessons and tips, talks about her experiences filming Strictly Come Dancing and Dragon's Den, thoughtful reflections on mental health, and why it's so important for her to stay true to herself. Tune in for an epic conversation between two friends and successful entrepreneurs, and learn from our insights on life, business, and mental health. This episode is packed with valuable tips that will inspire you to achieve greatness, while being authentically yourself. Discussion points: 02:45 Why Crafting? 06:57 The size of the Crafting industry 08:24 Sara's Competitors 12:44 Sara's Customer demographic 19:00 Things at business Sara's not good at23:30 What Sara looks for when recruiting33:00 Reflections on mental health43:00 The impact of exercise on mental health 50:33 BBC Dragon's Den - "The one that got away"53:26 Her favourite startup 55:15 Sara's approach to social media 58:30 Upcoming projects Show Sponsors: Najahi Events: The UAE's leading event promoter https://www.instagram.com/najahievents/?hl=en Socials: Spencer Lodge https://www.instagram.com/spencer.lodge/?hl=en https://www.tiktok.com/@spencer.lodge https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencerlodge/ https://www.youtube.com/c/SpencerLodgeTV https://www.facebook.com/spencerlodgeofficial/ Sara Davies MBEhttps://www.instagram.com/saradaviescc/?hl=en https://www.facebook.com/SaraDaviesCC/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-davies-mbe-7406854/

Aug 14, 2023 • 58min
#252: From War-Torn Childhood to Tech Billionaire: Dame Stephanie Shirley's Unbelievable Journey
Imagine this: It's 1939, you're five years old and World War II has just begun. Together with your sister, you're forced onto a train departing Vienna with thousands of other children, to escape unthinkable horror. You arrive in London as a refugee and orphan, riddled with fear and uncertainty – unsure where life will take you next. This is the start of Dame Stephanie Shirley's story – one of the world's greatest tech entrepreneurs who went on to build a 3-billion-dollar empire. Continuing our exclusive series in London for The Spencer Lodge Podcast, Dame Stephanie shares her incredible journey, which led her to become one of the world's most esteemed technology pioneers. In this episode, we delve into her extraordinary life journey, her entrepreneurial success, her definition of happiness, and much more. This conversation has the power to transform your life and change your perspective on hardship and rejection. Tune in now and get ready to be inspired by one of the most extraordinary women in the world. If you'd like to learn more about Dame Stephanie Shirley's story, I highly recommend you read her book, Let It Go. By ordering through the link below, every penny of your donation goes straight to Autistica, the UK's largest research charity. Check it out: https://www.steveshirley.com/let-it-go/ Discussion points: 04:16 More about Dame Stephanie Shirley18:08 What sparked her entrepreneurial journey22:02 Why she chose a computing career30:22 Dame Stephanie's definition of happiness37:48 How autism played a role in her life42:52 The people that inspire her44:17 Why salespeople are frowned upon49:09 How she handled resistance Show Sponsors: Najahi Events: The UAE's leading event promoter https://www.instagram.com/najahievents/?hl=en Socials: Spencer Lodge https://www.instagram.com/spencer.lodge/?hl=en https://www.tiktok.com/@spencer.lodge https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencerlodge/ https://www.youtube.com/c/SpencerLodgeTVhttps://www.facebook.com/spencerlodgeofficial/ Dame Stephanie Shirleyhttps://www.instagram.com/damestephanie_/?hl=en https://www.facebook.com/DameStephanie/

Aug 7, 2023 • 1h 16min
#251: UK Exclusive: Behind The Scenes with Netflix Star, Raphael Rowe, Host of Inside the World's Toughest Prisons
It's finally here, folks: The Spencer Lodge Podcast goes to the United Kingdom! Kickstarting this exclusive series is a fascinating interview with none other than Netflix documentary sensation, Raphael Rowe – the host of the award-winning documentary, Inside the World's Toughest Prisons. From Prisoner to Presenter, Raphael Rowe shares his heart-wrenching story and goes into the gruesome details of his 12-years behind bars, after being convicted for a murder he did not commit. Throughout this episode, Raphael talks about the prison system, why certain people end up in prison, and why prisoners need more compassion. Raphael also takes us through the most traumatic time of his life, sharing the impact his time in prison had on him and his family, how he recovered his life after being released, and how he became a Netflix documentary star. Tune in to listen to Raphael's story, learn more about his foundation and discover what really goes on in the world's toughest prisons. Discussion points: 03:15 Reliving Raphael's trauma 05:30 Does poverty lead to criminality?06:30 Why people end up in prison08:00 Types of prisoners09:35 About Raphael18:50 The campaign Raphael's release25:05 The impact it had on his family35:55 Life after prison49:00 Why prisoners need compassion52:00 About Raphael's Netflix show, Inside the World's Toughest Prisons01:03:05 About the Raphael Rowe Foundation Show Sponsors: Najahi Events: The UAE's leading event promoter https://www.instagram.com/najahievents/?hl=en Socials: Spencer Lodge https://www.instagram.com/spencer.lodge/?hl=en https://www.tiktok.com/@spencer.lodge https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencerlodge/ https://www.youtube.com/c/SpencerLodgeTV https://www.facebook.com/spencerlodgeofficial/ Raphael Rowe https://www.instagram.com/raphaelrowe/?hl=en https://www.facebook.com/raphael.rowe.756/ https://uk.linkedin.com/in/raphael-rowe

Jul 31, 2023 • 1h 11min
#250: Visionary Entrepreneur Matthias Mende on Blockchain, Gamification and Customer Engagement
There are no apt words to describe Matthias Mende, except that he's simply one-of-a-kind. Entrepreneur, Visionary, and Innovator – Matthias lives in the future and in this episode, we sit down to discuss the world as it is today and what tactics businesses can employ to foster customer loyalty, engagement and positive word of mouth. With Web3 slowly, but surely changing the game for how organisations operate, Matthias and his soon-to-launch blockchain startup, Bonuz, are bridging the gap between consumers and brands through gamification and couponing. Throughout this episode, we touch on the challenges of starting a business, the remarkable mindset of the Rulers of the UAE, current social movements and the risk of too much 'wokeness' in society. If you want to learn more from a free-thinking entrepreneur who is redefining how brands and customers interact with one another, then hit the play button and let's jump straight in! Discussion points: 03:31 About Matthias14:30 Starting a social media agency20:30 Dubai's 'Can Do!' mindset24:55 Current social movements32:45 Is 'wokeness' causing further divide?46:45 About Bonuz Market Show Sponsors: Najahi Events: The UAE's leading event promoter https://www.instagram.com/najahievents/?hl=en Socials: Spencer Lodge https://www.instagram.com/spencer.lodge/?hl=en https://www.tiktok.com/@spencer.lodge https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencerlodge/ https://www.youtube.com/c/SpencerLodgeTV https://www.facebook.com/spencerlodgeofficial/ Matthias Mendehttps://www.instagram.com/mende/?hl=en https://www.linkedin.com/in/mendematthias/

Jul 24, 2023 • 55min
#249: Overcoming Adversity: Joe Woodhouse's Inspiring Path to Massive Success
Today's guest is a very special one - Join me in welcoming Joe Woodhouse, one of my good mates and someone I've had the honour of working very closely with. In this captivating conversation, we explore Joe's dynamic career path and the pivotal moments that shaped his life. Joe's story takes a personal turn as he opens up about the immense pain and suffering he endured, from the devastating loss of his mother to the emotional rollercoaster of undergoing multiple rounds of IVF with his wife, Laura. Determined to turn his life around, Joe embarked on a journey to lose weight and start living a healthier lifestyle. Along the way, he also discovered a passion for content creation, revolutionising his approach to social media and skyrocketing his following and success. Prepare to be encouraged and inspired as we learn more about Joe's remarkable story - the journey he's been on and the pain he has suffered along the way. Grab a cup of tea and tune in now to gain valuable insights from Joe's story. Discussion points: 02:09 What Joe does for a living04:15 IVF journey11:53 How IVF affected Joe and his wife's relationship13:07 Joe's health journey21:36 About his upbringing29:07 Joe's experience in content creation38:29 How he comes up with creative ideas45:31 Joe's definition of a happy and successful life48:40 Financial responsibility in schools Show Sponsors: Najahi Events: The UAE's leading event promoter https://www.instagram.com/najahievents/?hl=en Socials: Spencer Lodge https://www.instagram.com/spencer.lodge/?hl=en https://www.tiktok.com/@spencer.lodge https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencerlodge/ https://www.youtube.com/c/SpencerLodgeTV https://www.facebook.com/spencerlodgeofficial/ Joe Woodhousehttps://www.instagram.com/joe_familywealth101/?hl=en https://www.facebook.com/familywealth101/ https://www.youtube.com/@familywealth1015 https://www.linkedin.com/in/joewoodhouse-familywealth101/

Jul 17, 2023 • 49min
#248: Changing The World Through Clean Water for the Underprivileged with Scott Harrison
Prepare for an inspiring story of transformation as we uncover the remarkable journey of Scott Harrison, a man who went from a life of indulgence to becoming a force of change. After a decade immersed in the nightclub scene, Scott reached a breaking point, declaring spiritual, emotional, and moral bankruptcy. His life took a profound turn when he spent two years aboard a hospital ship off the coast of Liberia, witnessing firsthand the devastating effects of dirty water. This experience led him on a mission that would change the lives of millions. As the founder and CEO of Charity Water, a non-profit organisation, Scott has dedicated himself to bringing clean and safe drinking water to people in developing nations. To date, Charity Water has raised an astounding $750 million, funding nearly 121,000 water projects in 29 countries. During our conversation we explore the importance of clean drinking water, dealing with corruption in charity work and the biggest lesson he has learnt through this incredible journey. Folks, listening to this episode will leave you feeling motivated and determined to make a difference in the world – so tune in now! Discussion points: 02:20 Scott's story15:10 Leveraging past career experience to his advantage21:13 The challenges he faced building up his company, 'Charity Water'24:13 Importance of clean drinking water29:56 How Scott deals with corruption in charity37:34 Creative marketing ideas for charities42:12 Scott's experience working with governments44:19 His biggest lesson learnt Show Sponsors: Najahi Events: The UAE's leading event promoter https://www.instagram.com/najahievents/?hl=en Socials: Spencer Lodge https://www.instagram.com/spencer.lodge/?hl=en https://www.tiktok.com/@spencer.lodge https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencerlodge/ https://www.youtube.com/c/SpencerLodgeTV https://www.facebook.com/spencerlodgeofficial/ Scott Harrisonhttps://www.instagram.com/scottharrison/?hl=en https://www.facebook.com/scottharrisoncw/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottharrison1/


