

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 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/

Feb 19, 2024 • 50min
#281: Is Bitcoin Going To Be Mainstream By 2024?
Imagine investing $1 in Bitcoin in 2013 and watching it skyrocket from mere cents to tens of thousands a few years later! That's exactly what happened to Davinci Jeremie — the guy who, in a YouTube video back in May 2013, urged viewers to invest a single dollar in Bitcoin when it was trading around $100. That video later went viral, amassing over 4.4 million views. Fast forward to today, Davinci is back for his third appearance on Unscripted With Spencer Lodge after his first two episodes were a big HIT! As the CEO of Davinci Codes and Founder of Pandora's Wallet, he stands as the ultimate authority on all things crypto. In this episode, we explore the mainstream status of BTC, the intricacies of Bitcoin halving, the future of cryptocurrencies, Web3, investing tips and much more. Folks, if you missed his first two episodes, don't make the same mistake again – grab your notepad and hit play now. It's time to learn from the best. Listen to my previous two interviews with Davinci here: How I Became An Early Crypto Investor and Made Millions: https://youtu.be/hy8hEkuqvK0?si=BkeSBVY2je6kzl05 Everything You Need to Know About the History of Money, Inflation and Recessions: https://youtu.be/xex3Rri19zk?si=rN1WY5QYlfI_b_qZ Discussion points: 4:25 Has Bitcoin truly become mainstream?6:00 Institutional vs. retail: Forecasting the percentage split in Bitcoin holdings11:55 Exploring the future landscape of cryptocurrencies15:02 Navigating the intricacies of Bitcoin halving20:29 The Bitcoin halving dilemma: Is patience a rewarding virtue?22:11 The potential impact of Donald Trump on the crypto market25:49 Solutions to Argentina's financial challenges28:23 Is now the right time to invest in UAE properties?31:38 Decoding behavioural investing trends32:29 Is Dubai the ultimate crypto hub?34:42 Breaking down Web3 in layman's terms37:18 A closer look at gambling in the digital space39:41 Oracles in the digital realm41:44 Investing tips for the next 5 years for buy-and-hold investors45:14 The key to choosing a reliable crypto exchange 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/ Davinci Jeremie https://twitter.com/Davincij15 https://www.tiktok.com/@davincij15 https://www.youtube.com/@davincij15 https://www.instagram.com/davincij15/?hl=en https://www.linkedin.com/in/davinci-jeremie-61a21124

Feb 12, 2024 • 39min
#280: From Near-Death to Global Impact: How Sarah Brook is Challenging Skin Colour Inequalities in Africa
Dedicating one's life to fighting for a cause is something many dream of, but few have the courage to do. Meet Sarah Brook, the woman who had a near-death experience at the age of 18, reshaping her life's purpose. Following an eye-opening incident during a private hospital visit in Malawi after falling ill, Sarah realised she received priority treatment over 300 other patients solely because of her race. This experience profoundly impacted her, leading her to dedicate her life to driving positive change and making a sustainable impact on the world. As the CEO and founder of The Sparkle Foundation, an NGO registered in the UK, Africa, and the Middle East, Sarah works tirelessly to create small-scale sustainable projects in Malawi, providing education, medical care, and nutrition to hundreds of orphans and vulnerable children. Recognised as one of the top CEOs in the UK Charity Sector, Sarah's story and perspectives will inspire you, reminding us that even the smallest actions can ignite profound change. Tune in now to hear her journey! Discussion points: 2:42 Embarking on her world-travel journey4:40 Skin colour inequality in Africa's private hospitals6:33 Working alongside Elon Musk6:50 The incident that crystalised her life's purpose8:49 Unpacking the significance of her mission11:32 Establishing a UK-based charity13:14 How her foundation makes an impact15:19 Addressing the common fears surrounding charity19:18 Empowering her team by highlighting the value of their work22:10 Recognising the importance of soft skills in the CVs she reviews23:30 The universal impact of charity contributions28:12 Navigating misunderstandings in Malawi32:30 Important life advice34:08 Sarah's superpower and mission34:55 Heartwarming experiences from her nonprofit 36:05 Overcoming unexpected challenges 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/ Sarah Brookhttps://tiktok.com/@sarahebrook7 https://twitter.com/SarahEBrook7 https://www.instagram.com/sarahebrook/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahebrook/

Feb 5, 2024 • 54min
#279: How to Create a Winning Workplace Culture and Bring Out The Best in Your Employees
Every year, 1 in 4 employees in the UAE leaves their employer because they hate their job – a shocking statistic, but unfortunately, it's the cold hard truth. Jo Kearney brings over 18 years of Human Capital experience having worked for Fortune 500 companies such as Meta and Accenture, and I'm pleased to welcome her on the show. Jo is the Chief Learning Officer at Majid Al Futtaim, a UAE-based conglomerate that owns and operates malls, retail, and hotel establishments, employing over 48,000 people. Join the conversation as Jo peels back the layers of business transformation and reveals the blueprint for organisational success. In this episode, Jo shares her non-negotiable hiring question, top leadership tips, and effective strategies for managing team dynamics. If you want to understand what it takes to create a winning team culture, then this episode is one you can't afford to miss. Discussion points: 3:31 About Jo7:34 Jo's opinion on the tertiary education system10:47 The value of investing in your employees' personal development12:42 The impact of "Sink or Swim" situations15:15 What employers look for in an employee16:02 Jo's non-negotiable question when hiring18:40 How to assess someone's potential 20:14 'Skill Will Hill' framework21:15 No.1 reason why people leave companies23:07 A great leader in Spencer's life32:30 How to create a sense of belonging at work36:32 How Jo approaches working with people from different cultures38:26 Jo's proudest moments41:19 Advice for leaders on how to make people realise their potential44:41 How to regulate your mood so that it doesn't affect your team46:35 What Spencer's daughter taught him about leadership47:54 Why taking feedback is so important for leaders 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.tiktok.com/@spencer.lodge https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencerlodge/ https://www.youtube.com/c/SpencerLodgeTV https://www.facebook.com/spencerlodgeofficial/ https://www.instagram.com/spencer.lodge/?hl=en Jo Kearneyhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jojofk/ https://www.instagram.com/jofkearney

Jan 29, 2024 • 1h 8min
#278: The Unheard Truth about Depression and How To Thrive with Top UK Mental Health Advocate
Strength doesn't come from winning, but from a resilient mind that turns setbacks into comebacks. Meet Rachel Kelly – a keynote speaker, bestselling author and mental health advocate. She's also one of the UK's Top Mental Health Influencers and an official ambassador for multiple renowned mental health charities. From her experience of battling depression to overcoming the darkest mental health challenges, Rachel has built a thriving career through sharing her evidence-based mental health recovery strategies. In this episode, Rachel shares her journey with depression and the exact steps she took to recover and heal. She reveals the power of asking the right questions, explores the damaging effects of having a scarcity mindset, and shares her own coping mechanisms for navigating life's highs and lows. Prepare for a deeply emotional conversation covering childhood trauma, the mind-body connection, and the transformative power of faith. If you or someone you know may be struggling with their mental health, please listen to this episode as it will give you the tools you need to overcome depression. Discussion points: 3:15 Rachel's experiences with depression13:37 How depression was seen in the '90s19:31 How to sense if your loved ones are struggling22:57 Questions people can ask themselves to check in on their mental health29:21 Scarcity mindset31:10 What Rachel would tell her younger self32:35 Spencer's story about relationships in his life37:12 Struggle of childhood trauma44:01 Connection between mind and body51:53 The power of faith54:29 Spencer's experience with suicidal thoughts59:18 How leaders should support their teams1:04:09 Impact of food on anxiety and depression 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/ Rachel Kelly https://twitter.com/rachelkellynet https://www.instagram.com/rachelfkelly/ https://www.facebook.com/rachelkellynet https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-kelly-author/

Jan 22, 2024 • 59min
#277: The Secret Blueprint for Building Stronger Teams and Achieving Massive Success with Dr Radha Modgil
Dr Radha Modgil is not your average NHS Medical Doctor. She's an unstoppable force in the world of wellness, a health and wellbeing expert, author, broadcaster and globally known for her game-changing advice on how 'to do' life well. During this conversation, we turn the spotlight on employers and the responsibility they hold to look after and foster their team's wellbeing. Dr Radha shares the cold hard truth about working from home and gives her take on whether or not this shift is one we should be encouraging. She dives deep into the current challenges most leaders face and how they can instil a culture of gratitude and kindness at work to improve their team's wellbeing. We also explore the complexities of how to ensure your team feels a sense of 'belonging' and purpose, and Dr Radha shares some remarkable insights on building strong relationships that last. This episode is packed with useful information and advice that will not only make you a better leader, but also an all-round better human. Discussion points: 2:40 About Dr Radha5:55 Is working from home healthy?10:23 Challenges most leaders face15:25 The power of gratitude and kindness at work29:17 How enhanced employee wellness can help your business succeed34:33 Fostering belonging in the workplace36:34 Dr Radha's most impactful39:09 Characteristics of a great leader44:01 The importance of strong relationships at work45:32 Tips for leaders to manage teams better48:50 More about Dr Radha's book, "Know Your Own Worth" 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/ Dr Radha Modgil https://www.instagram.com/dr_radha/?hl=en https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-radha-modgil/ https://www.youtube.com/c/DrRadhaModgil https://twitter.com/DrRadhaModgil https://tiktok.com/@dr_radha1


