

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

Apr 30, 2023 • 27min
#237: Breaking Barriers: The Incredible Story of Amna Al Qubaisi, The First Emirati Female Racing Driver
Today we have a special guest who is changing the narrative in motorsport racing, in particular, women's racing. Amna Al Qubaisi is the first Emirati female racing driver to compete in karting, F4, and F3 and she's made it her mission in life to challenge the status quo. With a decade of experience behind the wheel, Amna's drive to succeed has skyrocketed her ahead in a sport that has historically been difficult for women to compete in. During our conversation, Amna takes me through the different levels of motorsports racing, the very obvious gender bias that still exists, and the harsh reality behind the financial investment that's required to compete in this elite sport. Leaning on her personal experiences, Amna shares invaluable advice on how to achieve goals so big that they almost seem impossible, as well as the key to staying motivated and focused along the way. Whether you're a racing enthusiast or simply looking for inspiration to chase your dreams - buckle up and get ready for an exciting ride as we learn from Amna's epic example of resilience and perseverance. Discussion points: 02:46 About Amna Al Qubaisi 07:58 What inspired her "I'll prove you wrong" mindset 10:23 The different levels of motorsport racing 15:00 The financial costs of a racing driver 18:55 Advice for pursuing seemingly impossible goals 22:21 How the FIA can improve towards women in racing 25:06 Amna's definition of success Show Sponsors: Najahi Events: The UAE's leading event promoterhttps://najahi.com https://www.facebook.com/NajahiEvents/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/najahievents/ https://www.instagram.com/najahievents/?hl=en Socials: Spencer Lodgehttps://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/ Amna Al Qubaisihttps://www.instagram.com/amnalqubaisi_official/?hl=en https://mobile.twitter.com/Amna_Alqubaisii https://www.facebook.com/AmnaAlQubaisiRacing/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/amna-al-qubaisi-641737219/?originalSubdomain=ae

Apr 24, 2023 • 46min
#236 Surviving Pablo Escobar & Exploring The World's Most Deadly Places with Benedict Allen
Not everyone was lucky enough to escape the attacks of infamous drug lord Pablo Escobar. Fortunately, Benedict Allen - one of the world's most daring adventurers – survived for many years in the most dangerous parts of the world, enabling him to escape this life-threatening situation. Benedict is an English explorer, filmmaker, and writer who's travelled to some of the most remote and dangerous places on earth including West Papua, the Amazon Basin, and the Skeleton Coast in Namibia. With 10 books and six TV series that document his explorations and unique experiences, he has made a name for himself as one of the leading modern-day explorers. In this captivating episode, we discuss some of Benedict's most thrilling expeditions, how his experiences have shaped his motivational talks, and his latest book which details what he's learnt from isolated communities. Listening to this gentleman's stories was like embarking on an adventure, and I'm excited for you to share in the thrill of his experiences, too. Discussion points: 01:04 Benedict's stance on technology 12:00 His unique expeditions 16:30 Why people rarely explore 24:04 Figuring out where he belonged 27:10 What Benedict treasures most 30:57 The help of camels in the Namib Desert 36:41 How his experiences have shaped his motivational talks 40:35 His latest book "Explorer" 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 Benedict Allen https://www.instagram.com/benedictallenexplorer/ https://www.facebook.com/BenedictAllenExplorer https://twitter.com/benedictallen https://www.youtube.com/user/benedictallenvids

Apr 17, 2023 • 44min
#235: How To Create Habits That Stick To Live An Inspired Life With Dr Rangan Chatterjee
The power of habit-building can't be argued – and today's guest is here to open your eyes to how healthy habits can change your life! Introducing the one and only Dr Rangan Chatterjee - a highly respected medical doctor, BBC TV and radio presenter, best-selling author, and host of the hugely successful podcast "Feel Better, Live More." In this episode, we explore the power of positive feedback, how to overcome the challenges that stop you from building new habits, how to stick to healthy habits, and the hard-hitting truth about who is responsible for most of our stress… So, grab yourself a cup of tea, take a seat, and get ready to listen and learn so that you can make the necessary changes to lead an inspired life. And if you missed my first conversation with Dr Chatterjee last year, then tune into episode #190 to learn how you can improve your daily routines to help you lead a more epic and successful life. Discussion points: 03:46 The power of positive feedback 16:40 Can kindness cure loneliness? 23:33 Challenges when forming new habits 28:54 Dr Chatterjee's advice on sticking to habits 36:19 How much of our stress is self-generated Show Sponsors: Najahi Events: The UAE's leading event promotor: https://www.instagram.com/najahievents/?hl=en Socials: Spencer Lodge https://www.instagram.com/spencer.lodge/?hl=enhttps://www.tiktok.com/@spencer.lodge https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencerlodge/ https://www.youtube.com/c/SpencerLodgeTV Dr Rangan Chatterjee https://www.instagram.com/drchatterjee/ https://twitter.com/drchatterjeeuk https://www.facebook.com/DrChatterjee/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDnwlb3IQDPJtFysPUJbDFQ/videos https://www.linkedin.com/in/ranganchatterjee/

Apr 10, 2023 • 40min
#234: Demystifying Crypto, Gaming & The Web3 Movement with Jamil Abu-Wardeh
Joining me on the show this week is someone whose understanding of cryptocurrencies, gaming, and the Web3 movement is seriously impressive. More than that, his ability to break down complex concepts into simple language makes the world of crypto so much easier for us all to understand. Jamil Abu-Wardeh is the founder of METKAF, a consultancy that helps people launch their crypto, NFT & blockchain projects and strategies. We discuss everything from how to invest safely in cryptocurrencies to understanding which coins to buy, and how gaming in the metaverse works. Jamil's insights on these topics will change the way you see the world of Web3 as it continues to grow and evolve. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just curious about the space, this episode is packed with practical tips and insights that will help you navigate the intersection of crypto, gaming, and the metaverse. A special thank you to Emirates Literature Festival for facilitating this interview. Discussion points: 03:49 About Jamil 08:39 Safely investing your money in crypto 17:50 Understanding which coins to buy 24:00 Gaming in the Metaverse 30:31 About Jamil's business 32:28 Investing in crypto today 37:59 Jamil's opinion on the Sam Bankman-Fried scandal Show Sponsors: Najahi Events: The UAE's leading event promotor: https://www.instagram.com/najahievents/?hl=en Socials: Spencer Lodge https://www.instagram.com/spencer.lodge/?hl=enhttps://www.tiktok.com/@spencer.lodge https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencerlodge/ https://www.youtube.com/c/SpencerLodgeTV Jamil Abu-Wardeh https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiltv/

Apr 3, 2023 • 47min
#233: Behind the Bestsellers: An Intimate Chat with Master Storyteller Jeffrey Archer
Step into the world of one of the most renowned storytellers of our time - Jeffrey Archer. With over 275 million copies of his books sold globally during his 40-year writing career, Jeffrey's exceptional storytelling skills have captured the minds of readers worldwide. It was a pleasure to interview the English novelist and former politician at the prestigious Emirates Literature Festival in Dubai, where he shares his creative process, insider tips on writing page-turners, and the secrets behind his literary success. Tune in now for a fun and unexpected conversation with a man who is widely regarded as the greatest storyteller of our age. Discussion points: 03:00 Jeffrey's creative process 04:45 How society's book-reading habits have changed 08:02 Is storytelling innate? 09:12 Writing his first book 10:44 Identifying stories that are worth sharing 14:42 Where Jeffrey draws inspiration from 21:19 Who Jeffrey compares himself to 24:55 Jeffrey's greatest critics 28:58 Working with Margaret Thatcher 32:11 The Ukraine war 39:10 Jeffrey's opinions on football 44:40 Jeffrey's opinions on Rishi Sunak Show Sponsors: Najahi Events: The UAE's leading event promotor: https://www.instagram.com/najahievents/?hl=en Socials: Spencer Lodge https://www.instagram.com/spencer.lodge/?hl=enhttps://www.tiktok.com/@spencer.lodge https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencerlodge/ https://www.youtube.com/c/SpencerLodgeTV Jeffrey Archer https://www.instagram.com/jeffrey_archer_author/ https://www.facebook.com/JeffreyArcherAuthor https://www.youtube.com/@jeffreyarcher6224

Mar 27, 2023 • 51min
#232: Inside The Creative Mind Of Reality TV Producer Legend Thom Beers
Step into the thrilling world of TV production with Thom Beers, the mastermind behind some of the most adrenaline-filled reality shows of all time. With over 40 television series produced since the mid-1990s, including hits like Ice Road Truckers, Deadliest Catch, and Storage Wars, Thom is one of the top TV producers and creators in the business. Having won three Emmy Awards and produced over 100 TV commercials, Thom is the perfect guest to share insights into his creative process, his thoughts on today's reality shows, and advice for anyone wanting to break into the entertainment industry. Chatting with Thom was an absolute pleasure so get ready for an engaging and informative conversation with one of the best in the business. Discussion points: 02:49 Where Thom gets his creativity from 14:35 Thom's opinion on today's reality shows 22:12 The future of cable 23:33 Working with a women's network 27:55 His experience of having a heart attack 39:40 Getting started in the entertainment industry 47:08 Thom's favourite characters Show Sponsors: Najahi Events: The UAE's leading event promotor: https://www.instagram.com/najahievents/?hl=en Socials: Spencer Lodge https://www.instagram.com/spencer.lodge/?hl=enhttps://www.tiktok.com/@spencer.lodge https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencerlodge/ https://www.youtube.com/c/SpencerLodgeTV Thom Beers https://www.instagram.com/beersthom/?hl=en https://www.youtube.com/c/thomtv

Mar 20, 2023 • 1h 6min
#231: The Secret To A Fulfilling Spiritual Journey With Master Sri Akarshana
Don't be fooled by the title of this episode – this isn't your usual woo-woo spirituality chat. That's because I am speaking to Master Sri Akarshana, also known as the Yogi with a Lamborghini, whose wisdom has inspired more than 35 million people across the globe. From being a hugely successful entrepreneur who became financially free at just 25 years old, Master Sri ditched the supercars, yachts, and luxury mansions and discovered his passion for helping others. His love for creating change led him to set up a charity, helping orphaned children live healthy, happy, and sustainable lives. As a disciple of the Himalayan Spiritual Master Grandmaster Akshar, he shares his thoughts on topics such as the Law of Attraction, manifestation, and practical ways to enhance one's spiritual journey. This episode offers loads of knowledge and insights that will be valuable to anyone seeking to begin or enhance their spiritual journey. Discussion points 01:30 What has impacted Master Sri the most 13:11 Five-step spiritual practice 23:28 Spirituality & Religion 29:27 Master Sri's background and transformation 42:53 Encounter with a Kenyan orphanage 52:29 Difference between the law of attraction & manifestation 53:53 What it means to be religious or spiritual 54:23 Master Sri's definition of happiness 55:50 Why he has no fear 1:00:01 Practical manifestation steps Show Sponsors: Vault Hill: A blockchain-based technology company with an ecosystem comprising of a human-centric metaverse [https://www.instagram.com/vault_hill/?hl=en] Najahi Events: The UAE's leading event promotor: [https://www.instagram.com/najahievents/?hl=en] Socials: Spencer Lodge https://www.instagram.com/spencer.lodge/?hl=en https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencerlodge/ https://www.youtube.com/c/SpencerLodgeTV Master Sri Akarshana https://www.instagram.com/master_sri_akarshana/?hl=en https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZzuauSCw9aXx-tUB-E7Tfw https://www.linkedin.com/in/erichoofficial/| https://mastersriakarshana.com

Mar 13, 2023 • 1h 3min
#230: The Silent Struggle: Men's Mental Health Coach Reveals the Hidden Pain Men Endure
Men's mental health is a growing concern, with most men struggling in silence. In this episode, I sit down with the remarkable men's mental health coach, Elise Micheals. As a trained coach in trauma therapy, relationship science, and REBT, Elise knows firsthand the importance of supporting men and breaking the stigma around men's mental health. Her life's work is to help men overcome their mental health struggles, and after diving into her content for a few months, I felt like she truly understood the experiences of myself and countless other men. Join us as she explains the significance of healing childhood trauma in order to improve one's mental health in adulthood. We also chat about the lack of mental health support for men, the reasons behind suicide, and societal factors contributing to this problem, This episode is a must-listen for everyone so we can better understand what mental health challenges men around us are facing and how we can support them. Discussion points 03:30 Elise's path to men's mental health coaching 04:42 The stigma attached to mental health challenges with men 13:12 Speaking up about depression 16:05 Divorce and relationships 21:25 Gratitude 24:22 The importance of intimacy in relationships 27:23 Men's suicide drivers & Spencer's mental health journey 48:11 How to work with Elise 51:14 Subconsciousness of the brain 53:53 More on Elise's podcast & social media growth 01:00:42 Elise's definition of success & happiness Show Sponsors: Vault Hill: A blockchain-based technology company with an ecosystem comprising of a human-centric metaverse [https://www.instagram.com/vault_hill/?hl=en] Najahi Events: The UAE's leading event promotor: [https://www.instagram.com/najahievents/?hl=en] Socials: Spencer Lodge https://www.instagram.com/spencer.lodge/?hl=en https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencerlodge/ https://www.youtube.com/c/SpencerLodgeTV Elise Michaels https://www.instagram.com/elisemicheals_/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/elise-micheals/ https://www.tiktok.com/@elisemicheals

Mar 6, 2023 • 1h 7min
#229: Overcoming Adversity: Dr Sabrina Kay's Incredible Story of Escaping South Korea and Building a Billion-Dollar Empire in America
Imagine growing up under South Korea's oppressive regime. You must do as you're told, look and act a certain way, and from age 13 you start military training. But then, at 18, you have the opportunity to escape and move to the USA – without any money or English skills. This was the beginning of Dr Sabrina Kay's story of becoming a serial entrepreneur, investor, and board member. After years of hard work and dedication, her first business sold for $25 million, and after using that money to build several other businesses, she sold them for a staggering $3 billion! Join us this week on The Spencer Lodge Podcast to listen to Dr. Sabrina Kay's story as she, for the first time ever, shares her story publically. Tune in now and learn the power of resilience, patience, hard work, and dedication from this incredible woman! Discussion points 00:03:47 Growing up in South Korea 00:06:03 The intention behind the government's strict rules 00:09:19 Sabrina's upbringing 00:13:13 Sabrina's support system 00:16:30 Sabrina's experiences with mental illness 00:25:00 Moving to the USA 00:31:00 Life in America 00:37:37 Becoming a mother 00:41:41 Starting Fremont College 00:54:49 Life after selling her business 01:03:38 Sabrina's definition of success 01:04:04 America's education system Show Sponsors: Vault Hill: A blockchain-based technology company with an ecosystem comprising of a human-centric metaverse [https://www.instagram.com/vault_hill/?hl=en] Najahi Events: The UAE's leading event promotor: [https://www.instagram.com/najahievents/?hl=en] Socials: Spencer Lodge https://www.instagram.com/spencer.lodge/?hl=en https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencerlodge/ https://www.youtube.com/c/SpencerLodgeTV Dr Sabrina Kay https://www.instagram.com/drsabrinakay/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabrinakay

Feb 27, 2023 • 1h 7min
#228: Social Media Sensation Jennifer Cohen On Being Authentic And Speaking Her Mind
Get ready to be blown away as I sit down with Jennifer Cohen - social media sensation, and former celebrity personal trainer to the likes of Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera. In this episode, we talk about the controversial topics most people are afraid to discuss! From the truth about current world affairs to the shocking effects of the Kanye West saga on the Jewish community, Jennifer fearlessly speaks her mind. In this episode, we also touch on the importance of being authentic, helping others, and being kind. Don't miss out on this exclusive interview with a fitness powerhouse and be prepared to be educated, inspired, and entertained! Discussion points 02:38 What really matters 17:02 Generosity, helping others & networking 38:00 What frustrates Jennifer 50:02 Anti-semitism & Kanye West 54:36 Opinions on religion & current world affairs 1:01:00 Jennifer's podcast Show Sponsors: Arabian Business: The region's leading source of business news, analytics, thought leadership and features. [https://www.arabianbusiness.com/] Vault Hill: A blockchain-based technology company with an ecosystem comprising of a human-centric metaverse [https://www.instagram.com/vault_hill/?hl=en] Najahi Events: The UAE's leading event promotor: [https://www.instagram.com/najahievents/?hl=en] Socials: Spencer Lodge https://www.instagram.com/spencer.lodge/?hl=en https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencerlodge/ https://www.youtube.com/c/SpencerLodgeTV Jennifer Cohen https://www.instagram.com/therealjencohen/?hl=en https://www.linkedin.com/in/therealjencohen https://www.facebook.com/therealjencohen/


