

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

Mar 10, 2025 • 47min
#336: Hala Gorani on Journalism, Truth and Finding Purpose
Who do you trust when the media is constantly under fire? Hala Gorani has spent decades reporting from the frontlines – covering wars, breaking global news, and shaping how the world understands current events. Now, the legendary journalist and war correspondent is pulling back the curtain on what really happens behind the headlines. From the mental toll of conflict reporting to the hard truths about bias, misinformation, and the future of news, Hala doesn't hold back. Think you know how the media works? This episode will open your eyes to what it really takes to separate fact from fiction in a world drowning in misinformation. A special thank you to the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature for making this interview possible. 25:05 – The pressure to get it right33:03 – Career-defining moments35:57 – From journalist to author Show Sponsors: Allsopp & Allsopp: Redefining real estate, through cutting-edge technology and setting new standards for seamless, elevated customer experience. Keep moving with Allsopp & Allsopp.https://bit.ly/Allsopp-and-Allsopp AYS Developers: A design-focused company dedicated to crafting exceptional homes, vibrant communities, and inspiring lifestyle experiences. https://bit.ly/AYS-Developers Socials: Follow Spencer Lodge on Social Mediahttps://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/ Follow Hala Gorani on Social Mediahttps://www.instagram.com/hgorani/ https://www.facebook.com/halagoraniCNN/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/hala-gorani-959a71246/?originalSubdomain=uk https://x.com/HalaGorani

Mar 3, 2025 • 47min
#335: Dr Jessamy Hibberd Reveals the Truth: Why You Feel Like an Imposter (And How to Break Free)
Why do we never feel good enough, no matter how much we achieve? Dr Jessamy Hibberd, a clinical psychologist, author, and expert in mental resilience, breaks down the hard truths about success, trauma, and self-doubt, and why even the most accomplished people feel like imposters. She reveals why our brains are wired to focus on the negatives, how social media is warping our perception of reality, and why we're all caught in a trap of never feeling good enough. This episode is packed with powerful, science-backed tools to rewire your thinking. Stop undermining yourself, and take back control. A special thank you to the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature for making this interview possible. 12:29 – How social media is shaping our mental health18:06 – Real support vs corporate tick-box wellness39:11 – Suicide, pressure and perfectionism Show Sponsors: Allsopp & Allsopp: Redefining real estate, through cutting-edge technology and setting new standards for seamless, elevated customer experience. Keep moving with Allsopp & Allsopp.https://bit.ly/Allsopp-and-Allsopp Socials: Follow Spencer Lodge on Social Mediahttps://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/ Follow Dr Jessamy Hibberd on Social Mediahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jessamy-hibberd-82a09a55/ https://www.instagram.com/drjessamy/

Feb 24, 2025 • 1h 9min
#334: The Memory Doc on The DISTURBING Truth About Why your Memories are a lie
Is your memory a reliable record of the past? Or a story your brain keeps rewriting? Leading neuroscientist Dr Charan Ranganath, aka The Memory Doc, joins us on Unscripted With Spencer Lodge, to reveal how our brains store, distort, and reshape our memories. From false memories to the way trauma, depression, and even psychedelics impact what we recall, Dr Ranganath breaks it all down in a way that just makes sense. And here's a big one: AI might be smart, but does it actually "remember" the way we do? Dr Ranganath reveals the surprising truth – and what it means for the future of technology, decision-making, and even our identities. Have a listen; this one's fascinating! A special thank you to the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature for making this interview possible. 10:45 – The nature of memory 22:39 – How mental health impacts the way we think and remember 28:25 – Transforming trauma 42:12 – Psychedelics and memory 49:15 – The nostalgia trap 1:00:03 – Why AI will never remember like we do Show Sponsors: Allsopp & Allsopp: Redefining real estate, through cutting-edge technology and setting new standards for seamless, elevated customer experience. Keep moving with Allsopp & Allsopp.https://bit.ly/Allsopp-and-Allsopp Socials: Follow Spencer Lodge on Social Mediahttps://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/ Follow Dr. Charan Ranganath on Social Mediahttps://www.instagram.com/thememorydoc/?hl=en https://x.com/charanranganath?lang=en https://www.linkedin.com/in/charan-ranganath-1a1aa41bb/

Feb 17, 2025 • 1h 7min
#333: Zeina Khoury's Rise from $300 to Real Estate Leader and Dubai Bling Fame
Most people see the luxury, the glamour, the success. But what they don't see is the grit, the grind, and the relentless drive it took to get there. Before she became a Dubai Bling star and one of Dubai's top real estate figures, Zeina Khoury arrived in the UAE with just $300 to her name. In this episode of 'Unscripted With Spencer Lodge,' Zeina gets real about the sacrifices behind success, the impact of reality TV on her business, and why she refuses to play the victim in a male-dominated industry. This episode is a reminder that success isn't just about what you see – it's about what you're willing to fight for. 15:22 – The truth about life as a reality TV star 29:30 – Leveraging personal branding for real estate success 33:48 – Why progress always beats perfection 46:46 – The challenges and rewards of running your own business52:50 – "If I can do it anyone can" Show Sponsors: Allsopp & Allsopp: Redefining real estate, through cutting-edge technology and setting new standards for seamless, elevated customer experience. Keep moving with Allsopp & Allsopp.https://bit.ly/Allsopp-and-Allsopp Socials: Follow Spencer Lodge on Social Mediahttps://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/ Follow Zeina Khoury on Social Mediahttps://www.instagram.com/thezeinakhoury/?hl=en https://www.tiktok.com/@thezeinakhouryhttps://www.youtube.com/@zeinakhouryhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/zeinaalkhoury/

Feb 10, 2025 • 1h 5min
#332: Shaking Up Property Investment in the Middle East with Rami Tabbara
Every billion-dollar business starts with an idea. But turning that idea into a game-changing business? That's the real challenge. As the co-founder of Stake, a fractional real estate investment platform, Rami Tabbara is on that journey right now. In just four years, 500,000+ downloads and 35,000+ investors later, he's disrupting traditional real estate models in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. This week on Unscripted With Spencer Lodge, Rami shares the highs, the challenges, and the behind-the-scenes of shaking up an industry. If you've ever dreamed of building something big, this episode is packed with hard-earned wisdom. Don't miss it. 14:52 – Biggest mistakes in entrepreneurship26:40 – Key to raising money effectively39:59 – Pushing through the dark times44:58 – Do's and Don'ts of starting a business58:50 – Non-negotiables to success Show Sponsors: Allsopp & Allsopp: Redefining real estate, through cutting-edge technology and setting new standards for seamless, elevated customer experience. Keep moving with Allsopp & Allsopp.https://bit.ly/Allsopp-and-Allsopp Socials: Follow Spencer Lodge on Social Mediahttps://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/ Follow Rami Tabbara on Social Mediahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/rami-tabbara/https://www.instagram.com/ramitabbara/

Feb 3, 2025 • 1h 14min
#331: "The Coach's Coach", Ajit Nawalkha, on Mastering Change, Desire, and Success
From Jaipur, India, to building a multi-million dollar empire, Ajit Nawalkha's journey is a testament to vision, strategy, and impact. Coaching over 15,000 professionals along the way, Ajit is a force to be reckoned with. On this episode of 'Unscripted With Spencer Lodge', Ajit breaks down the psychology of change, the power of pain and desire, and how to unlock your full potential. As the co-founder of Mindvalley and founder of EverCoach, he's not just talking theory, he's lived it. If you want real, actionable steps to reach your goals and bring clarity to your actions, this episode is for you. Don't miss this one! You'll walk away with tools to start making things happen. 04:48 – Ajit's journey with Mindvalley09:46 – Why people struggle to take action19:46 – The role of coaches vs. mentors29:56 – Coaching strategies1:03:02 – Living in the present Show Sponsors: Allsopp & Allsopp: Redefining real estate, through cutting-edge technology and setting new standards for seamless, elevated customer experience. Keep moving with Allsopp & Allsopp.https://bit.ly/Allsopp-and-Allsopp Socials: Follow Spencer Lodge on Social Mediahttps://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/ Follow Ajit Nawalkha on Social Mediahttps://www.instagram.com/realcoachajit/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajitnawalkha/ https://www.facebook.com/ajitnawalkhaofficial/ https://www.tiktok.com/@coachajit www.youtube.com/@mindvalleycoach

Jan 27, 2025 • 1h 20min
#330: Breaking Barriers: How Nicola Adams Became an Olympic Legend
When the odds are stacked against you, there's only one choice: fight back. Nicola Adams did just that, and the world watched her win. As the first woman to win an Olympic boxing title, Nicola smashed through every barrier society put in her way. A two-time Olympic, World, and European Games champion, she challenged stereotypes, rewrote the rules of the game, and became a beacon of hope for women in sports everywhere. In this episode of 'Unscripted With Spencer Lodge', Nicola shares her incredible story, from her humble beginnings in Leeds to standing on the world stage. This is a powerful look at what it means to challenge expectations and thrive under pressure. 00:23 – The revolutionary journey of Nicola Adams 11:15 – How setbacks shaped her success 19:00 – Fighting for a place in the ring as a woman 27:30 – The importance of women representation in sports 35:00 – Authenticity and the power of being yourself 50:45 – Using fear as fuel to achieve extraordinary goals Show Sponsors: Allsopp & Allsopp: Redefining real estate, through cutting-edge technology and setting new standards for seamless, elevated customer experience. Keep moving with Allsopp & Allsopp. https://bit.ly/Allsopp-and-Allsopp Socials: Follow Spencer Lodge on Social Mediahttps://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/ Follow Nicola Adams on Social Mediahttps://www.instagram.com/nicolaadams/?hl=enhttps://www.tiktok.com/@nicola_adams https://www.facebook.com/NicolaAdamsOfficial/

Jan 20, 2025 • 44min
#329: From Humble Beginnings to Michelin-Starred Success: Bhupender Nath's Incredible Story
Some entrepreneurs build businesses. Others rewrite the rules. Bhupender Nath's story is one of resilience, risk, and reinvention. From humble beginnings in India to making his mark in Nigeria's frozen fish trade, Bhupender took an unexpected leap into the world of fine dining. Today, he is the founder of Passion F&B and the mastermind behind Trèsind Studio, ranked the 13th best restaurant in the world, honoured with two Michelin stars, and recognised as the No. 1 restaurant in Dubai. But his journey wasn't a straight line. It was filled with bold decisions, industry pivots, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The playbook for entrepreneurial success is here. Grab a pen and get ready to take some notes, folks. 00:35 – Bhupender's journey into the frozen fish business 10:56 – Facing challenges and taking risks 19:00 – Building a two-Michelin-starred empire 36:22 – Parenting and entrepreneurship 40:51 – Key traits of successful entrepreneurs 43:06 – The problem with overthinking Show Sponsors: Allsopp & Allsopp: Redefining real estate, through cutting-edge technology and setting new standards for seamless, elevated customer experience. Keep moving with Allsopp & Allsopp.https://bit.ly/Allsopp-and-Allsopp Socials: Follow Spencer Lodge on Social Media 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/ Follow Bhupender Nath on Social Media https://www.instagram.com/bhupendernath/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bhupender-nath-631a908/ https://x.com/fishkingtresind

Jan 13, 2025 • 1h 4min
#328: How to Win (or Lose) at Business in Dubai with John Martin St. Valery OBE
If you're an expat in Dubai aiming for business success, you've got to respect the local rules, culture, and business practices. Few people understand this better than John Martin St. Valery OBE, the go-to expert for foreign business owners looking to set up, scale, and succeed in the UAE for over 30 years. From company formation to navigating regulations and securing the right sponsorships, he's helped countless entrepreneurs avoid costly mistakes and build thriving enterprises. In this episode, he shares the non-negotiables of doing business, the biggest pitfalls, and why understanding the culture is essential. If you're serious about starting, growing, or investing in Dubai, this is your insider's guide. 03:31 - John's journey to being awarded an OBE 12:24 - Dubai's business scene 20 years ago vs today 19:40 - The importance of partnerships in Dubai 30:02 - The biggest mistakes foreign companies make 40:58 - The future of business in Dubai 57:54 - The 3 things every entrepreneur must know Show Sponsors: Allsopp & Allsopp: Redefining real estate, through cutting-edge technology and setting new standards for seamless, elevated customer experience. Keep moving with Allsopp & Allsopp. https://bit.ly/Allsopp-and-Allsopp Socials: Follow Spencer Lodge on Social Mediahttps://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/ Follow John Martin St. Valery OBE on Social Mediahttps://ae.linkedin.com/in/johnmsv

Jan 6, 2025 • 1h 14min
#327: Unlocking Startup Potential with Colin Meagle
What does it really take to scale a startup, attract investors, and build a business that thrives in today's tough markets? If you've been struggling to answer those questions, this episode has the insights you need. I'm joined by Colin Meagle, a powerhouse entrepreneur and the founder of Continuous Ventures. Colin has spent years guiding startups through the trenches, helping them secure funding, grow their teams, and transform their operations. If you're serious about scaling your business, leading with confidence, and thriving in uncertain times, this episode is your playbook. 06:31 – Digital Transformation decoded10:16 – Strategic support systems for entrepreneurs15:36 – The true meaning of expertise17:21 – The top mistakes startups make when seeking funding23:41 – The principles of Aikido28:56 – Business during the pandemic and the power of resilience38:06 – Martial arts principles and their application in business49:29 – The philosophy of conflict resolution in life and leadership01:05:47 – Nurturing different types of growth Show Sponsor: Allsopp & Allsopp: Redefining real estate, through cutting-edge technology and setting new standards for seamless, elevated customer experience. Keep moving with Allsopp & Allsopp.https://bit.ly/Allsopp-and-Allsopp Follow Spencer Lodge on Social Media: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/ Follow Colin Meagle on Social Media:https://www.instagram.com/colinmeagle/https://www.linkedin.com/in/colinmeagle/https://x.com/colinmeagle


