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
Feb 10, 2021 • 1h 7min
#127: Professor Amy Storer On Preventing Human Slavery & Child Exploitation
Trigger warning: This episode contains conversations about human trafficking, sexual abuse, pornography and child exploitation. Recent statistics have suggested that reports of human trafficking have nearly doubled since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. It is becoming clear that the various legislative efforts designed to tackle this very real problem are simply ineffective. As a result, nearly half a million children are reported missing in the USA every year and there are an estimated 20-40 million human slaves currently being exploited. The global state of human trafficking is now at crisis level and my guest this week, Harvard graduate and Homeland Security Investigator Amy Storer, works tirelessly to battle this $150 billion industry. Having previously held positions at Washington D.C Headquarters and the Office of the White House Liaison, Amy now dedicates her time to exposing the predators who exploit both adults and children in the most horrific crimes against humanity. In this episode, Amy shares her insights into the dark and harsh realities of human trafficking and explains why QR codes may be the answer to preventing exploitation.
Feb 3, 2021 • 51min
#126: Tiger King's Carole Baskin On Betrayal, Exploitation & Criticism
Over 60 million people binge-watched this week's guest in 2020 when she appeared in the sensational Netflix documentary "Tiger King." As the series unfolded, the world was introduced to Carole Baskin - the quirky and cheerful CEO of Big Cat Rescue. Despite her negative portrayal in the show and the hurtful lies that were spread, Carole continues to fight tirelessly for new legislation to prevent the exploitation of exotic cats in the US and worldwide. I'm absolutely honoured to speak with this phenomenal activist who having once cared for up to 200 wild cats in her Tampa-based not-for-profit sanctuary, shares her recent efforts to pass a bill to end cub handling, the conservation work she's been up to since appearing on Tiger King, and bouncing back after harsh criticism. To find out how you can support Carole's mission to end the abuse of big cats in captivity and prevent the extinction of big cats in the wild, head to BigCatRescue.org. Enjoy the episode, all you cool cats and kittens!
Jan 28, 2021 • 57min
#125: F1 Legend David Coulthard On Accepting Limitations And Focusing On Strengths
This week I am joined by an absolute legend in the world of motor racing - former Formula One Grand Prix driver, David Coulthard MBE. David was the longest contracted driver for McLaren, retiring in 2008 with no less than 15 Grand Prix victories, earning him brand ambassadorships with industry leaders including Red Bull, Mercedes and IWC. Since then, David has utilised his experience as a race car driver to achieve transitional success, with efforts in presenting, commentating and journalism and most recently as co-founder of Whisper Films - one of the UK's fastest-growing TV production companies. Join me as I chat with this legendary sportsman about the importance of a positive mindset, maximising your opportunities, and creating your own definition of success.
Jan 21, 2021 • 54min
#124: Dr Christopher Kerr On The Experiential Studies Of The End-Of-Life
My guest this week has pioneered a new approach in the research of the end-of-life experience using the relevance of sleep experiences as a framework. To improve the quality of hospice care worldwide, Dr Chris Kerr - CEO and Chief Medical Officer for The Center for Hospice and Palliative Care in Buffalo, New York, has utilised his years of extensive research to validate the powerful dreams and visions that many of his patients experienced. His research was the subject of his acclaimed book release 'Death is But A Dream', as well as his TEDx Talk, which received over 3 million views and led him to be featured on the recent Netflix documentary "Surviving Death". Dr Kerr talks about his ongoing research, which hopes to bring comfort and meaning to the dying process, discover its impact, and explain how it can help enable post-traumatic growth. Join me as I speak with this astounding Physician, who shares his journey exploring these patient experiences and pre-death dreams.
Jan 14, 2021 • 46min
#123: Record-breaking Mountaineer Nimsdai Purja MBE On Climbing K2 In Winter
This week's guest is none other than record-breaking mountaineer and elite soldier Nirmal Purja MBE. With a humble upbringing in Nepal, Nimsdai had an early desire to become a Gurkha in the British Military. After achieving this, Nimsdai set his challenges higher, becoming the first ever Gurkha to serve in UK Special Forces (SBS) unit, which led to his interest in Mountaineering. Nimsdai now holds a coveted MBE title and 10 Guinness World Records – most notably for climbing the world's 14 highest summits in under 7 months, an achievement that defeated a previous world record of 8 years. Now, Nimsdai is speaking with me about his bid for the K2 Winter ascent to claim one of the last remaining grand prizes in mountaineering, a feat regarded by so many, for so long, as impossible. In this inspiring episode, Nimsdai explains his motivation to complete the K2 summit in winter, his experience of writing his recent book 'Beyond Possible' and how his positive mindset has helped him achieve the impossible.
Jan 7, 2021 • 53min
#122: "The Real James Bond" Will Geddes On The Dangers Of The Dark Web
With over 25 year's experience combatting issues such as counter terrorism, personal and cyber security and working as a bodyguard for the Hollywood elite, my guest this week is Security specialist Will Geddes. In this week's episode, Will gives us a specialized and focused insight on the world of Cyber-crime and how to avoid falling victim to it, how to protect your personal security both online and in the real world, and how to protect your children from the dangers of Social Media, Cyber-bullying and the Dark Web. As Director of the leading Specialized Human Threat Management company ICP, and referencing his best-selling book release "Parent Alert: How to Keep Your Kids Safe Online", Will's wisdom and inside knowledge ensures that in this ever advancing digital age, you can begin your year with confidence and in the safest way possible.
Dec 30, 2020 • 1h 4min
#121: Lisa Johnson On Earning £1.3M In One Month
After a turbulent childhood battling long-term bullying, relationship issues and a lack of confidence, Lisa Johnson fell into success specialising as a Global Passive Income Coach. Having faced business challenges that at times saw her earn as little as £1.15 per hour, Lisa has since made millions – raking in £1.3 million pounds in October alone! She has spent the last 3 years building her widely successful business teaching clients how to work smarter and not harder, allowing their businesses to thrive. In this very fitting and motivational final podcast of 2020, Lisa shares her story that proves how at any time, your strength and hunger for more can create a new beginning and shift your path towards success and fulfilment.
Dec 23, 2020 • 49min
#120: Victoria Arlen On 4 Years Trapped In A Vegetative State
My guest's story this week is the ultimate example of how, as humans, our thirst for life and survival forms a refusal to accept defeat. After being diagnosed at the age of 11 with two rare conditions, Victoria Arlen lost her ability to speak, eat, walk and move, and quickly slipped into a vegetative state. She spent the next two years hooked to a lifeline in a hospital where she was written off as "a lost cause." Despite medical professionals agreeing that there was little to no hope of recovery or survival, Victoria regained cognitive function after two years. However, she couldn't see, move, or talk, but could hear the conversations around her—with no way of letting her family know she was awake. Not only did she wake up after four years, but she has gone to become a Paralympic gold and silver medallist, learned how to walk after 10 years in a wheelchair and was a contestant on Dancing With The Stars. Victoria's story and experiences teach us how the importance of controlling your mindset, refusing to give up and expressing daily gratitude made her - and can make you - limitless.
Dec 16, 2020 • 45min
#119: Christmas Special With Santa Claus' Right-Hand Man, Gerry Bowler
With just a week to go until Christmas, this week's episode is a special one. Santa Claus was obviously my first pick for our Christmas episode, but poor wifi connection in the North Pole prevented him from joining the Zoom call. Luckily, I was instructed to speak with someone who knows more about Christmas than Jolly Old Saint Nick himself! Dr Bowler – the world's foremost authority on the history of Christmas - joins me all the way from snowy Canada for an in-depth conversation about ALL things Christmas. He is the author of many Christmas books including: The World Encyclopedia of Christmas, Santa Claus: A Biography and The World's Greatest Christmas Stories. Dr Bowler shares a series of fascinating facts about the world's most celebrated holiday, the history of the mince pie, and confirms how Covid-19 will affect Santa's plans for delivering gifts on Christmas Eve. If you have ever been curious about the origins of Christmas traditions, then you'll love this episode.
Dec 10, 2020 • 43min
#118: Seth Godin On Future-Proofing Your Marketing Strategy
Commonly referred to as the 'ultimate entrepreneur for the information age', this week I'm thrilled to be joined by leading marketeer and internet entrepreneur, Seth Godin. As well as launching one the of the world's most popular blogs as recognized by TIME, Seth has written over 19 best-selling books and has previously appeared on the Marketing Hall of Fame. Recounting and sharing the valuable lessons that he was glad to learn as the founder of one of the world's first internet companies, Seth tells us which trends to avoid, which ones to follow and how to transform your passion into a productive contribution.
