
Unscripted with Spencer Lodge
Join Spencer Lodge as he connects with the most fascinating personalities on the planet. From Tony Robbins and Marisa Peer to a NASA astronaut, a former mafia boss and a North Korean defector, Spencer interviews everyone from the world’s most popular experts to ordinary people with extraordinary stories and remarkable achievements.
Tune in every Monday for a new episode.
Latest episodes

Apr 29, 2024 • 52min
#291: The Middle East’s #1 HR Leader Reveals The Secrets Behind Her Award-Winning Practices
To measure a company's potential, simply ask its employees if they enjoy coming to work every day. Someone who follows this ethos is Emma Davies, a distinguished HR leader with over 25 years of experience driving cultural change and fostering people-centric organisations. Her exceptional people skills drove transformation in multibillion-dollar companies, earning her a 97% employee satisfaction rate and the title of HR Leader of the Year for the Middle East. She's also the visionary founder of the Evolved People Network, a platform dedicated to advancing professional development in the GCC region. Join us as we tap into Emma's extensive experience, the rising culture of quiet quitting, thoughts on the four-day workweek, and the high cost of employee turnover. From employee happiness secrets to effective coaching techniques, Emma doesn’t gatekeep anything when it comes to fostering a healthy workplace. Trust me, this is an episode you can't afford to miss. So, grab a pen and get ready to take notes! Discussion points: 3:24 Introduction to Emma and her work5:43 The connection between leadership and HR6:40 The perception of HR across the UK, USA, and UAE11:37 The cost of replacing employees14:58 Emma’s secret to a happy workforce26:00 Quiet quitting culture27:56 Ball-setting interview strategy34:01 The importance of workplace culture35:13 Emma’s take on medical insurance in organisations39:28 The emphasis on team building41:01 Financial education as an employer's obligation44:48 The four-day workweek47:59 Emma’s top coaching strategies for employee satisfaction49:13 Three poor behaviours in the workplace Show Sponsors: Megavrse: Dive into immersive environments in the Metaverse that redefine the future of retail, art, and workhttps://www.megavrse.xyz/#/ 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/ Emma Davies https://www.instagram.com/emmadaviesdubai/https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-davies-mcipd-35784713/

Apr 22, 2024 • 39min
#290: Inside the Mind of Khalid Al Ameri, the Emirati Content Creator with Over 15 Million Followers!
If you think your favourite social media influencers are living their dream, think again. What you see is just a fraction of their reality. Join me as I sit down with one of Dubai’s most famous content creators, Khalid Al Ameri. From making lighthearted and humorous videos for the past seven years, he has garnered a massive fan base of over 15 million followers. On top of being a comedic genius, he’s a genuinely kind soul who has become known for spreading positivity and awareness through his selfless acts. In this fascinating episode, Khalid lifts the lid on his content creation process, his approach to brand collaborations, and the secret to maintaining a positive mindset. Folks, we're about to peel back the layers to reveal the man behind the memes, who makes a shocking revelation about artists often being taken advantage of in the business world. So, get ready for this exclusive conversation that promises laughter, inspiration, and a rare glimpse into the emotional core of Khalid Al Ameri – tune in now! Discussion points: 3:00 Khalid’s thoughts on content creation8:42 The distinction between an artist and an entrepreneur11:32 The secret source of Khalid’s content ideas 14:36 Khalid’s content creation process17:31 Balancing branded promotional content and unpaid content 20:36 Assessing paid opportunities from brands28:21 Khalid’s routine and mindset 32:10 The impact that the UAE has on People of Determination Show Sponsors: Megavrse: Dive into immersive environments in the Metaverse that redefine the future of retail, art, and workhttps://www.megavrse.xyz/#/ 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/ Khalid Al Amerihttps://www.youtube.com/@KhalidAlAmerihttps://www.instagram.com/khalidalameri/?hl=en https://www.tiktok.com/@khalidandsalama?lang=en https://www.facebook.com/khalidalameri/

Apr 15, 2024 • 54min
#289: The Ultimate Guide to Employee Well-being With Hilton’s HR Leader Marie-Louise Ek
As the Vice President of Human Resources Middle East and Africa at Hilton, she’s driving the company's award-winning people and culture strategy, overseeing close to 30,000 team members across 120 regional hotels. Meet Marie-Louise Ek, a dynamic leader with an impressive track record of over 23 years. With her groundbreaking initiatives at Sandvik and influential leadership roles at APM Terminals, Bridgestone, Coty, and PepsiCo, she has successfully driven team building, fostered positive employee experiences, and led massive organisational transformations. More than a VP, she's a certified executive coach and a passionate advocate for agility, technology, and well-being. In this episode, Marie-Louise shares Hilton's employee wellness initiatives, talent attraction strategies, employee engagement tips, and ways to navigate workplace challenges. Marie-Louise doesn’t gatekeep her secrets, so tune-in, grab your notepad and get the inside scoop on creating a thriving workplace culture. Discussion points: 3:34 Why Marie-Louise chose to study Human Resources4:25 How HR has evolved over the years6:20 The employee wellness evolution7:50 The key aspects of wellness that Hilton focuses on12:21 Measures Hilton has adopted for their employees’ wellness17:11 Educating employees on preventing health challenges20:13 How SMEs can have more engaged employees26:36 Marie-Louise’s views on working from home and flexible work30:55 Differences in medical insurance in the corporate world33:47 Investing time in mentoring employees36:06 Secrets for attracting the right talent 43:46 How wellness is perceived in the West47:22 4 things employers need for employee well-being48:28 Tips by Marie-Louise to deal with an emotionally charged situation50:50 How AI is making a difference in HR Show Sponsors: Megavrse: Dive into immersive environments in the Metaverse that redefine the future of retail, art, and workhttps://www.megavrse.xyz/#/ 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/ Marie-Louise Ekhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/marie-louise-ek-9949253/

Apr 8, 2024 • 1h 6min
#288: The Secret to a Long, Happy Marriage: Saif Al-Yasi’s Exclusive Proven Tips!
In the face of rising global divorce rates, this week’s guest on Unscripted With Spencer Lodge challenges conventional beliefs about why marriages fail, arguing that it’s men who have a bigger role to play than women. Saif Al-Yasi, a highly esteemed fitness and personal trainer in Dubai comes armed with a medical background in biology and biotechnology, an MBA, and a Master’s Degree in bodybuilding and nutrition. This conversation is a departure from the usual health and fitness chat, and instead Saif delves into the intricacies of relationships. In this episode, Saif talks about his relationship with his wife, the need for men to reclaim their strength, the toxic rhetoric taught by Andrew Tate and how you can enjoy a long and healthy marriage. Tune in for a fascinating chat packed with actionable advice and interesting insights. Discussion points: 2:38 An introduction to Saif 5:15 Growing up in Baghdad, Iraq 12:04 Saif’s education and qualifications 15:16 Lessons from his first marriage22:31 Arab and Western men in relationships and marriages 26:10 The evolution of men's and women's roles 28:56 Understanding 'growth' for men 32:13 Saif’s opinion on Andrew Tate 39:40 Marrying your best friend 43:03 Real reasons for divorces 49:53 Triggers for maintaining physical fitness 54:48 Advice for self-improvement 59:04 Decoding the cannibal diet1:02:08 Saif’s experience of abstaining from sugar for 10 years Show Sponsors: Megavrse: Dive into immersive environments in the Metaverse that redefine the future of retail, art, and workhttps://www.megavrse.xyz/#/ 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/ Saif Al-Yasihttps://m.facebook.com/wahsh.dxb https://www.instagram.com/saifalyasi/https://www.tiktok.com/@coachsaifalyasihttps://www.youtube.com/@WAHSHDXB

Apr 1, 2024 • 27min
#287: Leadership Insights from an 11-Year-Old with Dyslexia
This week, my youngest ever guest is in the hot seat! If you’ve ever wondered what leadership looks like through the eyes of a child, then get ready for some pretty epic leadership insights from an 11-year-old. Meet Finley Suchley, the son of my business partner, Danielle, and the Head Boy of Kings' School, Dubai. In this episode, Finley takes the mic to share the remarkable wisdom he has learnt so far, including candid examples of good and bad leadership, the differences between Dyslexia and Dyspraxia, and why he feels lucky to have Dyslexia. Yes, you read that right! Finley’s perspective and enthusiasm towards leadership and life are world-class and many adults could learn a thing or two from him. So, folks, get ready to take inspiration from Finley's ambitions to grow and develop as a leader. Don't miss out on this brilliant conversation – hit ‘play’ now! Discussion points: 3:17 Spencer and Finley’s relationship3:59 An introduction to Finley4:30 Examples of great leadership 5:38 Responsibilities as the Head Boy 6:38 An example of poor leadership 8:54 Why leadership matters to Finley 9:40 The difference between Dyslexia and Dyspraxia 13:57 Why Richard Branson is a great leader 16:07 Finley’s mum and dad as leaders 19:04 Winning awards in sporting activities21:00 Finley’s favourite teacher at school24:45 Finley’s ambitions for becoming a great leader Show Sponsors: Megavrse: Dive into immersive environments in the Metaverse that redefine the future of retail, art, and workhttps://www.megavrse.xyz/#/ 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/

Mar 25, 2024 • 39min
#286: Military Mom Turned #1 New York Times Bestselling Author
Success doesn't wait around for excuses; it only responds to effort. Meet Rebecca Yarros – the #1 New York Times bestselling author and the literary genius behind more than twenty popular novels. Her most recent publication, 'Fourth Wing,' is set to be transformed into a series by Amazon. As a military wife and mother of six children, she serves as living proof that chasing dreams beats making excuses any day, and through her massive popularity, she has even gained more than half a million Instagram followers in just a few months! In this episode, she breaks down the process of writing books and turning them into a thriving business, making it clear that it's not as daunting as it seems. Along the way, she shares her personal journey, reveals the book that first inspired her, her experience with ADHD, and her financial aspirations. So, if you've ever dreamed of writing a book, Rebecca is the one to listen to. She knows exactly what it takes, how to do it, and most importantly, how to turn it into a profitable venture. Don't miss out – tune in now! Discussion points: 2:30 Thoughts on being successful4:00 The inspiration behind Rebecca’s love of writing 5:15 The first book that impacted her10:10 The role of gratitude in Rebecca’s life17:18 Giving five pitches to her editor20:14 The ways that ADHD affects her writing23:56 Rebecca’s financial aspirations25:55 What she thinks of publishers as businesses27:05 Her book becoming a series with Amazon32:23 Tips for someone wanting to become an author36:04 The inspiration behind her non-profit work Show Sponsors: Megavrse: Dive into immersive environments in the Metaverse that redefine the future of retail, art, and workhttps://www.megavrse.xyz/#/ 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/ Rebecca Yarroshttps://www.tiktok.com/@rebeccayarroshttps://twitter.com/rebeccayarros?lang=enhttps://www.instagram.com/rebeccayarros/?hl=en https://www.facebook.com/RebeccaElizabethYarros/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-yarros-06615359/

Mar 18, 2024 • 50min
#285: Unleash Your Mind’s Potential! Decode Neuroscience Mysteries with Dr David Eagleman
Neuroscience continues to be one of the most complex subjects, but Dr David Eagleman is here to decode it all. As a renowned neuroscientist at Stanford University and a best-selling author, he’s best known for his ground-breaking research on brain plasticity. David co-founded two venture-backed companies, Neosensory and BrainCheck, and is also the author of two books that have inspired millions of people to think differently about the very essence of their own minds. The New York Times even praises him as ‘The Neuroscientist Who Makes Neuroscience Look Like Fun’. From his own journey to realising his calling in neuroscience, to exploring the potential of a ‘doppelganger brain’, David leaves no stone unturned in this episode. So, join us as we explore the fascinating world of brain health - from the influence of diet to the groundbreaking advancements of Elon Musk's Neuralink brain chip. If you’re intrigued by the mind’s mysteries, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in now to unlock the secrets of your brain with Dr David Eagleman! Discussion points: 3:28 Breaking down neuroscience and neuroplasticity6:21 Reality of ‘memory’10:27 How David realised his calling in neuroscience17:17 Is there a possibility of a doppelganger brain?18:44 Do people have the power to take ownership of their perception?22:34 David’s goal behind his latest book on brain plasticity25:03 Concept of stubbornness27:31 Cause behind insomnia30:26 Is the unconscious brain essentially what you train it consciously?35:16 How much is brain health influenced by diet?42:25 Elon Musk’s Neuralink brain chip – where are we heading?48:35 Is it possible to improve the memory of individuals with dementia? Show Sponsor: Megavrse: Dive into immersive environments in the Metaverse that redefine the future of retail, art, and workhttps://www.megavrse.xyz/#/ 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/ David Eaglemanhttps://www.tiktok.com/@drdavideagleman https://twitter.com/davideagleman?lang=en https://www.instagram.com/davideagleman/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/davideagleman/ https://www.facebook.com/David.M.Eagleman/

Mar 11, 2024 • 1h 2min
#284: Behind the Screen: ‘Alone’ Season 1 Winner Tom Williams' Survival Reality
As thrilling as adventurous survival shows appear on screen, do they truly deliver the same excitement in real life? Meet Tom Williams – the unstoppable winner of Channel 4’s Alone, Season One. Imagine being stranded in the Canadian wilderness, armed with just a handful of tools – that was Tom's reality for 35 days! He was left in total isolation and had to source his own food, build his own shelter and keep his mind occupied. But guess what? His wild journey doesn't end there. Tom has always had a knack for adventure and before being a contestant on Alone, he founded 'Desert Island Survival’ - a travel expedition company that offers immersive survival experiences on rented islands. Through his experiences, Tom realised how important it is for people to reconnect with nature and step away from technology, sensory overwhelm and modern-day conveniences. In this episode, Tom shares his fascinating journey with us by diving deep into some secret insights from the show, his unique perspective on wealth, and the lessons he learnt from running his adventure business. Folks, get ready for an exhilarating dose of adventure, survival hacks you can’t miss, and incredible life stories. Tom’s story will have you craving the untamed side of life a little more, so tune in now! Discussion points: 3:10 More about the show, ‘Alone’4:10 Tom’s experience on the show11:57 Meeting the other contestants before the event14:11 Tom’s life journey18:48 How Tom met his wife22:59 What pushes Tom to live an adventurous life 27:26 Tom’s view on wealth31:18 Tom’s entrepreneurial lessons37:17 Are humans becoming weaker?42:33 Lessons from living in isolation, without technology44:29 How to protect young individuals from technology46:34 Losing weight48:00 Tom’s proudest moments48:40 Tom’s plans for the future51:11 The impact of nature on humans59:00 Tips to break free from technology Show Sponsor: Megavrse: Dive into immersive environments in the Metaverse that redefine the future of retail, art, and workhttps://www.megavrse.xyz/#/ 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/ Tom Williams https://twitter.com/desertislandtom https://www.facebook.com/twilliamsb https://www.linkedin.com/in/desertislandtom/ https://www.instagram.com/tomwilliamsalone/

Mar 4, 2024 • 1h 5min
#283: Inside the Mind of Talabat’s CEO: Tomaso Rodriguez's Unconventional Leadership Secrets
Leadership is not about your title; it's about inspiring, guiding, and empowering others to achieve their full potential, and Tomaso Rodriguez is a prime example of this philosophy. He is the CEO of Talabat, the UAE's fastest-growing food delivery platform, boasting 5,000+ employees and 80,000 riders. However, unlike most CEOs, Tomaso is not one to stay confined to his desk; his approach to leadership involves going the extra mile to ensure his team is well looked after. He made headlines last year for stepping into the shoes of his delivery riders and experiencing their challenges firsthand. But he didn't stop there — he listened, learned and took action. As a young tech guy and dynamic leader, his leadership and entrepreneurial spirit is truly remarkable. Join us for an insightful conversation where Tomaso delves into the leadership challenges he faces on a daily basis, how he fosters a culture of belonging, the key to navigating diverse regions and nationalities, and the untold realities of being a CEO. If you're serious about becoming a better leader, don't miss this epic discussion — tune in now to level up your leadership game! Listen to my previous interview with Tomaso on ‘Coronavirus Impact & Supporting Businesses’ here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmF4nu5x4nw Discussion points: 3:40 Why Tomaso became a Talabat rider for a day9:33 Food preferences in different places11:25 Challenges he faces in his role14:00 Comparing Talabat now and before15:20 Talabat’s work-from-office policy17:45 Retaining employees18:45 Tomaso’s real-life example of a 'Great' leader20:40 Fostering a culture of belonging26:20 How Talabat takes care of their employees31:56 Working with employees from different nationalities37:45 Working in a leadership role in Asia39:50 Challenges of being a CEO and a highly recommended book for anyone who wants to be a CEO41:33 Coping with stress45:25 Should organisations invest in leadership coaching?48:17 Practices Talabat adopted for their riders' welfare53:30 Riders getting tipped55:05 Should companies track the productivity of remote employees through tools?1:01:00 Decision-making in the company1:03:55 How long should an organisation's meetings last? Show Sponsor: Megavrse: Dive into immersive environments in the Metaverse that redefine the future of retail, art, and workhttps://www.megavrse.xyz/#/ 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/ Tomaso Rodriguezhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/tomasorodriguez/ https://www.instagram.com/tomasorodriguez/?hl=en

Feb 26, 2024 • 1h 15min
#282: Must Watch! Exclusive Uncensored Confessions from London Real's Brian Rose
He’s one of the most outspoken people of our time, and after being deplatformed on YouTube for publishing a controversial interview with conspiracy theorist David Icke, Brian Rose refuses to be silenced. A former Wall Street banker-turned-podcast host, Brian is the Founder and Host of London Real which has broadcasted over 1,000 long-form conversations, garnering over a billion views. He is on a mission to empower the masses to counter the numbing effects of mainstream media, and in this episode, you'll get a glimpse not only of Brian's entrepreneurial flair but also of the raw, humble side of the gentleman behind the mic. Midway through our conversation, Brian opens up about his emotional experience running for the Mayor of London, and how he felt like a failure when he wasn’t elected. Tune in to hear more about Brian's journey, the remarkable guests he's interviewed, and his intriguing perspectives on crypto. Don't let this chance slip by — this is your opportunity to uncover Brian Rose’s uncensored truth. Discussion points: 2:37 Brian's impression of Dubai7:08 Brian's journey12:49 Working on London Real17:22 Was Brian’s success accidental, naive, or strategically planned out?22:16 Guests on London Real who have impacted Brian’s life29:10 Impact of Dan Peña on Brian36:03 Brian’s campaign in London38:50 Experience of running for Mayor of London47:00 Getting deplatformed on YouTube1:01:11 How Brian evolved into the crypto world1:05:00 How Brian earns money1:06:30 Final reflections between Spencer and Brian Show Sponsor: Megavrse: Dive into immersive environments in the Metaverse that redefine the future of retail, art, and workhttps://www.megavrse.xyz/#/ 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/ Brian Rosehttps://twitter.com/brianbrose https://www.instagram.com/therealbrianrose/?hl=en https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-benedict-rose/