The Mo Show

Kiran is the Chief Marketing Officer at Diriyah Company who is leading the efforts to re-establish Diriyah’s position as a globally recognized cultural and historical landmark. With a career spanning international marketing, communications, and brand transformation, he brings a wealth of expertise in crafting narratives that resonate with diverse audiences around the world. At Diriyah, he is driving initiatives that celebrate Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage while positioning it as a world-class destination for culture, history, and tourism. On this episode, Kiran unpacks the immense scale of the extraordinary project that represents the birthplace of Al-Saud. With several assets already open and many more including hotels, housing, branded residences, and retail outlets set to come online soon, the nearing completion of DG1 and DG2 marks another major milestone in Diriyah’s transformation. 0:00 Intro: City of Earth6:57 Responsibility, Expectations & Pressure9:05 Building a World-Class Saudi Marketing Team12:00 The Power of Authenticity17:30 The New Saudi Way of Living22:33 Coffee, Scent & Hospitality25:00 Blending Heritage with Modern Living28:01 Smart-City Vision31:00 Riyadh’s Urban Renaissance37:24 Shifting Global Perception44:32 Hospitality Pipeline50:16 A Low-Rise, People-Focused City52:01 Life in Diriyah: Pedestrian Lifestyle1:00:52 Life in Saudi vs Expectations1:04:05 Positivity and Hunger of the Saudi Spirit1:08:25 Advice for the Next Generation1:11:30 Closing Remarks

A Saudi storyteller, actor, writer, and director whose work blends art with social impact, Fatima is the founder of Alf Wad Production House and The Other Story Project, initiatives that have transformed storytelling into a tool for cultural dialogue and community building.Her breakout role in Barakah Meets Barakah (2016), Saudi’s submission to the Oscars, helped shape the country’s new cinematic wave. Named a “Next Generation Leader” by Time Magazine and described as the “Sophie Calle of Saudi Arabia” by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Fatima has become one of the most recognized creative voices from the Kingdom. She holds a Master’s degree from Harvard University, where she researched Arab identity and gender representation in cinema and literature.0:00 Intro2:34 Childhood Background6:47 Control, Messiness Acceptance13:00 Parents, Resentment Empathy22:03 Imposter Syndrome35:13 Barakah Public Reaction41:50 Writing/Directing vs Acting45:30 Owning the Narrative55:04 Saudi Film Ecosystem Grows59:34 “The Other Story”1:11:24 Globalization Cinema1:19:32 Alwad: A Thousand Valleys to the Heart1:23:22 Red Sea Festival Market Maturity1:34:44 Mental Health, Phones Finding Balance1:40:31 Women, Theology Harvard1:49:58 “Carve What Isn’t There”1:52:56 Ignoring Bad Advice1:55:29 Feeling Most Alive1:58:32 Dreams, Manifestation Mortality2:06:13 ClosingFatima AlbanawiInstagram https://bit.ly/4mC4nP1LinkedIn https://bit.ly/3IBI5iEWikipedia https://bit.ly/4nNGdCiWebsite https://bit.ly/3IA3IQmThe Mo ShowYoutube https://bit.ly/3nDwsZvApple Podcast https://apple.co/3J9ScX4Spotify https://spoti.fi/33dzsC2Anghami https://bit.ly/3mRo1uyInstagram https://bit.ly/2KAwq5vX https://bit.ly/3KanEnJTikTok https://bit.ly/43L92poWebsite https://bit.ly/3H2DhMMEmail info@themopodcast.com

In this conversation, Ben Harburg, an American investor and owner of Al-Kholood football club, shares his groundbreaking journey as the first non-Saudi to acquire a team in the Saudi league. He discusses his motivations behind choosing Al-Kholood and the surprising aspects of Saudi society he encountered. Ben envisions a thriving future for Saudi football, emphasizing fan engagement and local talent development, along with the significance of modern media strategies in transforming the football culture within the Kingdom.

Andrew Zaloumis, CEO of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve Development Authority, shares his journey from childhood explorer to conservation leader. He discusses ambitious rewilding programs, including the return of locally extinct species and the importance of unfenced reserves as wildlife corridors. Zaloumis emphasizes the impact of technology in conservation, such as AI satellite collars and community-led initiatives, especially by female rangers. He also reflects on leadership lessons from Nelson Mandela and advocates for sustainable tourism and local engagement.

Dive into an insider's view of the Royal Court during President Trump's historic visit, revealing the unique atmosphere and protocols. Enjoy a blend of humor and sincerity as the speaker reflects on personal sacrifices in their podcasting journey. Discover unexpected encounters with influential figures that emphasize deep connections over surface-level networking. Plus, explore the transformative power of podcasting, even amidst a pandemic, showcasing how creativity can thrive against all odds.

Experience the thrill of being at a royal court event during President Trump's visit to Saudi Arabia. The speaker shares unforgettable moments and insights from this unique encounter. Discover the significance of staying present in such prestigious surroundings and hear about a memorable exchange that marked a sense of accomplishment. It's a fascinating glimpse into a high-profile meeting and the atmosphere surrounding it.

Tareq Amin, CEO of HUMAIN and a leader in Saudi Arabia’s AI sector, discusses the nation's ambitious plans for becoming a global AI hub. He shares insights on HUMAIN’s rapid launch under Vision 2030, focusing on unified AI strategies and fostering local talent. The conversation also delves into Saudi Arabia's blend of modern innovation with cultural heritage and highlights the importance of adapting to change in business. Tareq emphasizes creativity’s role in preventing stagnation and the necessity of a collaborative environment for innovation.

A pioneering Saudi athlete who defied expectations by qualifying to represent Saudi Arabia in cross-country skiing at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, becoming the first Saudi male skier to do so. Since his international skiing debut in 2021, he has competed in multiple FIS Nordic World Ski Championships, including Planica 2023 and Trondheim 2025. Despite training in a city with no snow, Rakan’s daily regimen built on running, swimming, cycling, and hill climbs, reflects a relentless commitment to excellence that has propelled him from the desert to the world stage. Away from the snow, Rakan is also a decorated rower, inspired by his cousin Hussein Alireza, who competed at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. He is a multiple-time GCC indoor rowing champion and a national champion at the Saudi Games who has represented Saudi Arabia at the 2022 Asian Games in single sculls.  0:00 Intro4:13 Start of The Journey7:24 Rowing9:07 Embracing Challenges12:08 What are the Saudi Games?15:23 Rowing to Skiing?18:04 Olympic Qualifications30:24 Skiing Without Snow33:05 Olympics Selection and Winter Sports36:29 Maintaining Mental Strength50:19 Olympic Ambitions and Self Advice54:35 Closing Thoughts The Mo ShowYoutube https://bit.ly/3nDwsZvApple Podcast https://apple.co/3J9ScX4Spotify https://spoti.fi/33dzsC2Anghami https://bit.ly/3mRo1uyInstagram https://bit.ly/2KAwq5vX https://bit.ly/3KanEnJTikTok https://bit.ly/43L92poWebsite https://bit.ly/3H2DhMMEmail info@themopodcast.com Presented By:KAFD App https://apple.co/4e9BdU0Website https://bit.ly/3YktQUIInstagram https://bit.ly/3YFpWGnX https://bit.ly/3LMJOziLinkedIn https://bit.ly/3A0b2QJ Saudia Website https://bit.ly/495n6fBInstagram https://bit.ly/3UgTTdAX https://bit.ly/4beIQY8Whoophttps://join.whoop.com/gb/en/moshow/ Noon Instagram https://bit.ly/3XRScUYWebsite https://bit.ly/44lnA1S  Pizza Hut JeddahInstagram https://bit.ly/3T87mjtWebsite http://bit.ly/3UtnkWq IWC Instagram https://bit.ly/44dxbFWWebsite https://bit.ly/43K8JMk CreditsRakan Alireza | GuestMo Islam | Host FounderRyan Ismail | COOFaisal Nejaim | Show ManagerGregoris Kalai | Head of StrategyTito | Creative DirectorYoussef Hamieh | Production ManagerTranslation Powered by “STUCK?”

"The MICHELIN Guide is NOT about Luxury!" -Gwendal Poullennec 155, The International Director of The MICHELIN Guides Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guide, has long been driven by a passion for gastronomy, travel, and hospitality. Since joining the Michelin Group in 2003, he has played a pivotal role in expanding the Guide globally—launching its first Asian edition in Tokyo in 2007 and overseeing the creation of 12 more international Guides. His deep involvement with inspectors and unwavering commitment to the Guide’s core values—expertise, integrity, and the celebration of culinary talent—have been central to its continued evolution, especially as he spearheaded its digital transformation. On this episode, Gwendal shares Michelin’s vision and goals for Saudi Arabia: to help drive economic growth and raise culinary standards by recognizing excellence in the Kingdom’s vibrant food scene. He discusses the Guide’s commitment to showcasing local talent and authentic Saudi food culture, while upholding the same rigorous inspection methodology used worldwide. We also explore how Michelin is leveraging media and strategic partnerships to create long-term cultural and economic impact in the region—ensuring that this isn’t just about stars on a plate, but a broader story of growth, recognition, and global connection. A big thanks to Bab Samhan hotel in Diriyah for allowing us to shoot this episode in their beautiful new property and another big thank you to Mayda Badr who leads the Culinary Arts Commission in Saudi Arabia for their trust in us to shoot with such a remarkable individual. 0:00 Intro1:30 First Impressions of Saudi Arabia3:48 Economic Impact of Michelin8:07 Working at Michelin8:59 Tokyo’s Culinary Scene10:04 Origins of the Guide11:53 Inspector Criteria & Training15:21 Inspector Anonymity25:56 Supporting Local Restaurants31:01 Common Misconceptions and Myths36:06 Local Market Growth38:36 Impressions of Saudi Cuisine42:07 Advice for Saudi Chefs44:45 Closing

On this powerful episode, we sit down with certified self-development trainer and life coach Maha Al-Subaie for an honest and insightful conversation about self-love, emotional awareness, and the journey of inner healing. We explore why so many struggle with loving themselves, how to quiet the inner critic, and the real impact of positive self-talk. Maha shares practical advice for those at the start of their healing journey, and offers insights into emotional intelligence, the role of childhood wounds, and why “the only way out is through.” She also opens up about her personal turning point, the importance of boundaries, the power of saying “no,” and how meditation and spirituality have shaped her growth. If you’ve ever wondered how to reconnect with yourself and live more authentically, this episode is for you.  0:00 Taking the harder road 1:24 Managing negative thoughts 2:27 Embracing fear as part of life 7:26 Publishing first public video 12:46 Helping others finding purpose 16:49 Do we all need therapy? 18:33 Understanding your inner voice 23:51 Meditation, journaling visualization 28:56 Morning routine wake-up habits 35:08 Self-love: decline or rise? 39:28 Gratitude evening reflection 41:00 Digital detox screen boundaries 44:41 Cultivating self-worth acceptance 47:17 Reconnecting with your true self 50:07 Building confidence deflecting pressure 57:28 Be the change you want to see 1:04:13 Trusting your gut feelings 1:12:13 Setting boundaries saying no 1:17:02 Support from strangers vs. close ones 1:18:37 Handling negativity comments 1:21:18 Facing pain managing the ego 1:23:29 Manifestation emotional creation 1:26:19 Progress vs. excuses 1:29:26 Parenting: get comfortable being uncomfortable 1:32:28 Your past doesn’t define you 1:37:19 Defining happiness 1:43:35 Closing remarks key takeaways Presented By:KAFD App https://apple.co/4e9BdU0Website https://bit.ly/3YktQUIInstagram https://bit.ly/3YFpWGnX https://bit.ly/3LMJOziLinkedIn https://bit.ly/3A0b2QJ Saudia Website https://bit.ly/495n6fBInstagram https://bit.ly/3UgTTdAX https://bit.ly/4beIQY8 Whoophttps://join.whoop.com/gb/en/moshow/ Noon Instagram https://bit.ly/3XRScUYWebsite https://bit.ly/44lnA1S  Pizza Hut JeddahInstagram https://bit.ly/3T87mjtWebsite http://bit.ly/3UtnkWq Tim Hortons Instagram https://bit.ly/3UQDk6uX http://bit.ly/3AgbAPiWebsite http://bit.ly/3LgUresIWC Instagram https://bit.ly/44dxbFWWebsite https://bit.ly/43K8JMk CreditsMaha Turki Al-Subaie | GuestMo Islam | Host FounderRyan Ismail | COOFaisal Nejaim | Show ManagerGregoris Kalai | Head of StrategyTito | Creative DirectorYoussef Hamieh | Production ManagerPowered by "STUCK?" | Translation