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.
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#394: "Technology Is NOT the Future of Education" - The CEO of 36 Schools, Alan Williamson on Education, Leadership & Sacrifice
2026/04/20
He grew up on a council housing estate in the Shetland Islands. His family were coal miners and civil servants. He had no connections, no privilege, and no clear path. Today, he runs one of the UAE's largest education groups — 36 schools, 36 nurseries, 50,000 students, and a publicly listed company worth over a billion dirhams.
In this episode, Spencer sits down with Alan Williamson, CEO of Taaleem, for one of the most refreshingly honest conversations about education, leadership, and the cost of ambition. Alan doesn't sugarcoat anything. He'll tell you that technology is not the future of education. That exam should be deleted overnight. That his biggest leadership flaw is not listening. And that for all his professional success, the person he feels he's let down most is his whole family.
From navigating a regional geopolitical crisis to making bold billion-dirham acquisitions, from the rugby field that gave him confidence to the boardroom decisions that kept him up at night, this is a conversation about what it really takes to lead at the highest level and what it quietly costs you.
Whether you're a parent choosing a school, a leader questioning your own values, or someone who built everything from nothing and wonders if it was worth it, this episode will make you think.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Introducing Alan and what makes him different from most CEOs
01:15 – What is Taaleem? 36 schools, 50,000 students, and a 21-year story
03:42 – How Dubai's inspection system turbocharges school quality like nowhere else in the world
07:53 – The international teacher recruitment crisis and why Dubai still wins
11:52 – How to actually choose the right school for your child in Dubai
17:48 – Are UAE school fees good value? The honest comparison with UK independent schools
22:22 – Leading through geopolitical crisis: sleepless nights, a billion-dirham bet, and staying calm
28:00 – Growth anxiety, M&A opportunities, and being the knight in shining armor
33:02 – Should schools be doing more to help struggling parents and entrepreneurs?
41:52 – Growing up on a council estate in Shetland: where his drive really came from
50:47 – Feeling like an outsider at university and how rugby changed everything
54:30 – The biggest sacrifice he made to be successful: missing family to referee international rugby
58:32 – Would he do it all the same way again? His most honest answer
01:01:13 – When his working-class values clashed with running a profit-driven company
01:05:21 – His most unpopular opinion: technology is NOT the future of education
01:09:06 – What great teachers actually do that most people forget
01:13:19 – How to prepare children for jobs that don't exist yet
01:16:49 – University vs. apprenticeships: why one path is not better than the other
01:18:39 – Quickfire: are exams outdated, what skill matters more than grades, and who should Spencer interview next?
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#393: "I Gave Myself Cancer" | Dave Catudal on Stress, Health & The Power of the Mind
2026/04/13
This episode explores the connection between mind and body, the truth about stress and illness, and why Dave believes: "You either make yourself sick… or you make yourself healthy."
In this episode, Spencer sits down with Dave Catudal, a serial entrepreneur, health coach, and supplement formulator whose life has been shaped by loss, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of understanding the human body.
After watching his younger brother battle leukemia for six years and losing his father to cancer at just 46, Dave's life took a destructive turn. However, those same experiences became the foundation of his mission: to understand how the body heals and why so many people fall ill in the first place.
When Dave was diagnosed with cancer himself at 23, he wasn't shocked. He believed years of stress, trauma, and negative thinking had played a role in his illness.
From hitting rock bottom in Los Angeles, living in a garage and sleeping on a massage table, to building multiple businesses in the health and wellness space, Dave's journey is a powerful story of transformation.
In this conversation, Dave breaks down the fundamentals of health that many people overlook, including nervous system regulation, gut health, sleep, stress, and the hidden impact of modern lifestyles.
Timestamps:
00:00 – How Dave believes he gave himself cancer
02:46 – His brother's leukemia, his father's death, and a family shaped by illness
05:30 – Remembering his father Pierre: the man behind the legend
08:05 – What actually causes cancer? The mind-body connection explained
09:26 – The most powerful memory of his father (a story you won't forget)
12:08 – Regret, absence, and channeling grief into becoming your best self
16:25 – What he would say to his father if he walked in today
17:12 – The manifestation trap: why fixating on outcomes holds you back
21:36 – Stress as the number one trigger of illness — the science explained
24:08 – Information overload vs. real health education
27:44 – Why belief systems can be the most powerful medicine
30:34 – The three pillars every modern human needs to get right
34:01 – Why are we living longer despite living worse?
36:26 – Sleep decoded: deep sleep vs. REM and why that extra hour changes everything
41:31 – REM Plus: the supplement built for the overstimulated modern human
44:17 – Dubai vs. LA vs. Montreal: where entrepreneurs actually thrive
48:04 – From landscaping at 19 to supplements in Dubai: the full entrepreneurial journey
52:18 – His most costly business failure and what it taught him
54:28 – For Us: the two-product system taking Dubai by storm
58:35 – How to build a brand with a vibe you cannot pay for
01:01:31 – The single most important pillar of health (and the free tool to fix it)
01:03:19 – Dave's three daily non-negotiables
01:04:17 – Rock bottom: sleeping on a massage table in West Hollywood
01:07:26 – What he wants to be remembered for
01:10:39 – Why he calls himself an entrepreneur, not a supplement guy
01:11:26 – Quickfire: the habits aging you fastest, what to ban from modern life, and more
01:15:57 – The time he spent five nights in jail
01:16:52 – Will today's kids live shorter lives?
01:20:25 – The power of tribe: why who you surround yourself with is everything
01:20:25 – Peptides explained: what they are, how they work, and when to use them
01:23:46 – The Coke Zero debate: is the dose really the poison?
01:25:37 – The meaning of life, in one word
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#392: From Radio to 130M Followers | Alex Hirschi aka supercarblondie on Building a Global Brand
2026/04/06
What does it really take to build one of the most powerful personal brands in the world?
In this episode, Spencer sits down with Alex Hirschi, known globally as Supercar Blondie, one of the most successful automotive content creators and entrepreneurs today.
But behind the supercars and global audience of over 130 million followers is a very different story.
From moving to Dubai in her early twenties with almost no money to struggling to afford meals while surrounded by luxury, Alex's journey is built on risk, resilience, and unexpected breakthroughs. What started as a side hobby filming cars while working in radio quickly turned into a global phenomenon when she discovered that raw, authentic content outperformed highly produced videos.
Within a year of quitting her job, she had already built a multi-million audience.
Today, her brand spans content, media, and business, including SBX Cars, a global luxury car auction platform that generated $15 million in its first year. But success didn't come without cost.
In this conversation, Alex opens up about the realities behind the spotlight. From navigating the public breakdown of her 22-year relationship to battling Hashimoto's disease, anxiety, and depression, she shares what it really takes to rebuild both a business and yourself.
Timestamps
00:00 – Introducing Alex Hirschi (Supercar Blondie)
03:05 – Moving to Dubai with no money and starting from scratch
07:20 – From radio presenter to filming cars on the side
11:15 – Why raw content outperformed high production
15:40 – Quitting her job and hitting 4 million followers
20:25 – Building a global brand and scaling a team worldwide
25:10 – The reality behind social media success
30:45 – Breaking into a male-dominated industry
36:20 – The rise of viral content and key turning points
42:55 – Launching SBX Cars and building a new business
48:30 – The pressure of success and personal sacrifice
54:10 – Navigating heartbreak and rebuilding after her relationship
59:35 – Mental health, burnout, and self-awareness
01:05:20 – Living with Hashimoto's disease
01:10:15 – Prioritising health and personal growth
01:15:40 – The future of her brand and business empire
01:20:05 – Lessons on resilience, authenticity, and starting again
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#391 From Nurse to CEO | Kimberly Pierce on Leadership, Healthcare & Building a Culture of Care
2026/03/30
How do you go from leaving school early to leading one of Dubai's top hospitals?
In this episode, Spencer sits down with Kimberly Pierce, CEO of King's College Hospital Dubai, whose journey into leadership was anything but planned.
From describing herself as a "bad girl at school" who left before finishing year ten to returning to night school to earn her qualifications and pursue nursing, Kimberly's story is one of resilience, grit, and purpose. Starting as a cardiac nurse in the UK and later rebuilding her career from scratch in Australia, she was repeatedly pushed into leadership roles by mentors who saw potential she didn't yet see in herself.
Today, she leads one of the region's most respected hospitals but still considers herself a nurse at heart.
In this conversation, Kimberly shares her approach to people-first leadership, why culture matters more than strategy, and how genuine care for staff directly impacts patient outcomes. From navigating crises like the Dubai floods to leading complex medical innovations and building high-performing teams, her leadership style is rooted in empathy, accountability and action.
Timestamps
00:00 – From leaving school early to becoming a nurse
03:10 – Starting over and building a career in healthcare
06:20 – Mentors who pushed her into leadership
09:45 – From nurse to CEO: an unexpected journey
13:30 – Leading with empathy and building strong teams
17:10 – Why culture matters more than strategy
21:05 – Handling crises and leading during the Dubai floods
25:40 – The realities of leadership and decision-making
29:15 – Innovation in healthcare: AI, robotics, and patient care
33:50 – The competitive healthcare landscape in Dubai
38:20 – Attracting top global talent
42:10 – Women in leadership vs people empowerment
46:00 – Balancing pressure, responsibility, and resilience
50:25 – The future of healthcare and medical innovation
55:10 – Inspiring the next generation of nurses and leaders
58:30 – Defining legacy and impact
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#390: From ADHD & Dyslexia to Building a Global Business | TheAquaman on Turning Struggles into Strength
2026/03/23
What if the challenges you were given were actually your biggest advantage?
In this episode, Spencer sits down with Ahmed Ben Chaibah, an entrepreneur who turned ADHD and dyslexia into the very traits that fueled his success. What many see as limitations, he learned to use as a competitive edge.
From early struggles in school to building a business empire spanning 33 countries, Ahmed's journey is a story of resilience, persistence, and redefining what success looks like.
This conversation goes beyond business. It explores the mindset required to keep going through rejection, the role of environment and opportunity in places like Dubai, and why discipline matters more than motivation when building something long-term.
Ahmed shares lessons from failure, the importance of branding and location in scaling a business, and how social media has played a key role in expansion. He also reflects on purpose, giving back, and why true success is not just about wealth, but impact.
Timestamps
00:00 – Overcoming ADHD, dyslexia, and early rejection
03:10 – Discovering entrepreneurship and first business steps
06:25 – Building a water park business across 33 countries
10:40 – Why Dubai creates unique opportunities for entrepreneurs
14:15 – Cultural mindset, government support, and business growth
18:30 – Breaking expectations and choosing a different path
22:05 – Lessons from failure and business setbacks
26:10 – The power of persistence and obsession
30:20 – Branding, location, and scaling a global business
34:45 – Leveraging social media for growth
39:10 – Navigating partnerships and challenges
43:50 – The emotional side of entrepreneurship
48:30 – Discipline vs motivation: what actually drives success
52:40 – The role of self-belief and mental resilience
57:15 – Giving back and building a purpose-driven life
1:02:30 – Why success is more than money
1:07:45 – Future trends in wellness and entrepreneurship
1:12:10 – Leaving a legacy and empowering the next generation
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#389: Inside Dubai's Most Prestigious School | Dubai College Headmaster Tomas Duckling on Education, Character & The Future of Learning
2026/03/16
What should schools really be teaching the next generation?
In this episode, Spencer sits down with Tomas Duckling, Headmaster of one of the most prestigious schools in the UAE, to explore the pressures shaping modern education, the role of parents in an increasingly competitive system, the impact of technology and AI on learning and why the future of education must focus on building good humans, not just high achievers.
Tomas' path into education was unexpected. After travelling the world in his early twenties, he began working at a North London school supporting refugees and immigrant communities. What started as a temporary role quickly became a calling, launching an international career that took him from Brunei to Aiglon College in Switzerland, one of the world's most expensive schools.
Now leading Dubai College, Tomas believes schools should focus on far more than exam results. His mission is to develop character, empathy, kindness, and leadership, preparing students not just for academic success but to become good humans who can make a meaningful impact on the world.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Introducing Tomas Duckling and Dubai College
02:05 – The history of Dubai College and why it's so oversubscribed
04:15 – Removing the debenture system and creating merit-based admissions
07:12 – Tomas' unconventional journey into teaching
10:03 – From London classrooms to international schools in Brunei
13:48 – Teaching at Aiglon College in Switzerland
17:10 – How global experiences shaped his philosophy on education
21:02 – Why academic results alone are not enough
24:30 – The importance of character, kindness, and empathy in schools
27:18 – The pressures parents place on modern education
31:05 – Comparing the UK, European, and UAE education systems
34:12 – The future of learning in a world shaped by AI
38:20 – Why human skills will matter more than ever
42:45 – The Edge Curriculum: teaching empathy, design, and entrepreneurship
47:30 – Encouraging students to solve real-world problems
50:15 – Bullying, kindness, and creating positive school culture
54:40 – The role of sport, extracurriculars, and resilience
58:10 – The debate around homeschooling and social development
01:02:20 – Diversity and multicultural education in Dubai
01:05:15 – The real purpose of education in the 21st century
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#388: The Most Controversial Voice in Wellness? Barbara O'Neill on Natural Healing, Modern Medicine & Questioning Everything
2026/03/09
Modern medicine has achieved incredible breakthroughs. But what happens when someone challenges the entire system?
In this episode, Spencer sits down with Barbara O'Neill, one of the most talked-about and polarizing figures in the global wellness space. Loved by many and criticized by others, Barbara has built a massive following by encouraging people to question mainstream health advice and explore natural approaches to healing.
Barbara shares her perspectives on topics that continue to spark discussion around the world. From the body's ability to heal itself, to diet, detoxification, gut health, pregnancy nutrition, and why she believes many people misunderstand the role of modern health care.
This episode explores the thinking behind her views on PTSD, COVID-era health policies, folic acid, fasting, colon cleansing, and hormonal health. Whether you agree with her or not, her perspective has sparked millions of conversations across the wellness world.
Timestamps :
00:00 – Introducing Barbara O'Neill and why she sparks global debate
03:15 – Escaping a violent marriage with six children
08:40 – The turning point that led her into psychiatric nursing
12:05 – Observing the limits of conventional treatment
16:30 – The belief that the body can heal itself
20:10 – Why she encourages people to question mainstream health advice
24:20 – Childhood environment and long-term health
28:15 – Diet, gut health, and disease prevention
33:40 – Her views on PTSD and emotional trauma
38:05 – COVID-era policies and public health debates
43:10 – Detoxification, fasting, and colon cleansing
48:20 – Coffee enemas and natural detox practices
52:40 – Pregnancy nutrition and the folic acid discussion
57:30 – Hormones, aging, and natural balance
01:02:40 – Longevity and modern lifestyle diseases
01:07:15 – Are doctors extending life or extending sickness?
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#387: Are We Finally Winning Against Cancer? Dr. Patrick on IL-15, NK Cells & The Pandemic of Cancer
2026/03/02
Cancer is not a foreign invader. It is a failure of defense.
In this episode, Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, surgeon, scientist, inventor and one of the most influential figures in modern medicine, lays out a radical idea: your body already knows how to defeat cancer. The question is whether we are activating it… or suppressing it.
Born in apartheid South Africa and driven by what he calls a duty to fight for the underdog, Dr. Soon-Shiong went from performing complex surgeries in Los Angeles to inventing Abraxane, a breakthrough nanoparticle chemotherapy now used worldwide. But he believes chemotherapy was only chapter one, Chapter two is immunity.
He breaks down the role of the 450 million year old Natural Killer cell and why it may be the missing piece in cancer prevention, then dives into IL-15, once ranked the most promising molecule to cure cancer and now approved in 33 countries, with new ground in lung cancer treatment in Saudi Arabia.
Dr. Soon-Shiong also shares his warning of a coming "pandemic of cancer," the controversy around COVID vaccine development, the overlooked $10 blood test hidden inside routine labs that predicts mortality risk, and how camel nanobodies, AI and robotics may democratize treatments that once cost $1 million.
If you care about longevity, cancer prevention, or the future of medicine, this episode matters.
Timestamps:
00:00 – First impressions of the Middle East and the crisis of trust
08:17 – What cancer really is and the role of the Natural Killer cell
14:08 – The warning: a possible pandemic of cancer in young people
16:47 – The T-cell COVID vaccine controversy
24:40 – IL-15: ranked the #1 molecule to cure cancer
29:07 – Breaking news: approvals in 33 countries and Saudi Arabia
31:06 – Immunity, aging, and the link to longevity
37:53 – The $10 blood test hidden in plain sight for 30 years
39:28 – Why camels and sharks don't get cancer
44:32 – From apartheid South Africa to billionaire inventor
48:13 – Turning $1 million CAR-T therapy into a $25,000 robotic solution
50:33 – Why the Middle East could lead the next biotech revolution
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#386: Passive Blessings Over Passive Income: Fadie Musallet on Success, Faith & Giving Back
2026/02/23
Success looks impressive. Impact feels different.
In this episode, Fadie Musallet shares his transformation from a troubled youth in Miami to a purpose-driven entrepreneur and philanthropist in Dubai. This is not just a business story. It is a story about redemption, faith, resilience, and choosing to build a legacy that serves others.
This conversation explores what really shapes a man. The losses that humble you. The rejection that sharpens you. The family roots that anchor you when success tries to pull you off course.
At the heart of this episode is impact. The founding of The Giving Family charity, feeding thousands during Ramadan, and the philosophy he calls "passive blessings over passive income." In a world obsessed with scale and status, Fadie challenges the audience to ask a harder question: What are you building that will outlive you?
Timestamps:
00:05 – From wild youth in Miami to purposeful giving
03:13 – The power of kindness and leaving a legacy
08:43 – Lessons learned through loss and resilience
11:37 – Palestinian roots, love, and identity
18:13 – Moving to Dubai and starting over
23:54 – Building a medical distribution and brokering business
33:18 – Mastering networks, handling rejection, and closing deals
43:02 – Behind the scenes of Dubai Bling
58:25 – Launching FadieCakes and the business of desserts
1:04:50 – Founding The Giving Family and feeding communities
1:11:56 – Making volunteering part of everyday life
1:14:50 – Ramadan beyond fasting
1:23:18 – Regrets, growth, and defining success
1:25:32 – Passive blessings over passive income
1:28:26 – The challenges of fundraising in Dubai
1:29:41 – How you can help feed those in need
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#385: From Trauma to Triumph: Dr. Gian Power's Journey of Resilience and Leadership
2026/02/16
Trauma changes you.
For some, it becomes a weight that never lifts. For others, it becomes a catalyst.
In this episode, Dr. Gian Power shares the deeply personal story that shaped his life and leadership journey. From childhood shyness and quiet ambition to navigating the devastating and unresolved murder of his father, this conversation explores how unimaginable loss can redefine purpose.
Dr. Gian reflects on loyalty, trust, justice, and the emotional toll of public tragedy. He speaks candidly about grief, identity, and the difficult process of rebuilding while carrying unanswered questions.
Beyond the personal story, this episode dives into the future of leadership. In a world rapidly shaped by AI and automation, Dr. Gian explains why human skills, storytelling, emotional intelligence, and authentic connection are becoming more valuable than ever.
This is a powerful conversation about resilience, purpose-driven leadership, and the responsibility leaders have to build workplaces that are not just productive, but deeply human.
A raw and thoughtful discussion on adversity, performance, culture, and what it truly means to lead with strength and compassion.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Turning trauma into a catalyst for leadership
02:18 – Early years: childhood, identity, and ambition
10:15 – The disappearance and murder that changed everything
18:29 – Media scrutiny and the search for truth
25:30 – Processing grief and navigating unresolved trauma
30:50 – Rebuilding through purpose and community
38:00 – Storytelling as a leadership superpower
45:19 – Returning to the corporate world with a new lens
52:41 – AI, automation, and the rise of human skills
1:14:00 – Kindness, fairness, and vulnerability in leadership
1:07:42 – Building resilient, high-performance cultures
1:15:29 – The resilience mindset in an AI-driven future
1:20:20 – Final reflections: connection, purpose, and impact
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#384: Unlocking the Subconscious: Hypnosis, Trauma & Transformation with Ebrahim Turner
2026/02/09
Hypnosis is often misunderstood and dismissed as performance or placebo.
In this conversation, Ebrahim Turner, widely known as the "billionaire hypnotist," breaks down what hypnosis really is and why it has become one of the most powerful tools for personal and professional transformation.
From rewiring habits and addressing deep-rooted trauma to improving performance in business and high-pressure environments like Dubai, Ebrahim explains how the subconscious mind quietly shapes our behavior, decisions, and emotional responses.
This episode explores why lasting change doesn't come from motivation alone, how trauma shows up in unexpected ways and why vulnerability is often the gateway to real confidence and success.
A raw, practical conversation about anxiety, identity, perception, and what happens when external success no longer masks internal struggle.
Timestamps
00:00 – The journey into hypnosis
02:11 – What hypnosis really is (and isn't)
04:36 – Suggestibility and the subconscious mind
08:26 – Success rates, expectations, and lasting change
10:54 – Skepticism around hypnosis
12:10 – Trust and safety in the process
15:08 – Working with high performers and billionaires
18:11 – Rapid Transformational Therapy explained
20:06 – Habits, patterns, and subconscious programming
23:34 – ADHD, trauma, and emotional roots
25:36 – Identifying the real core issue
30:08 – Using hypnosis in business and leadership
33:02 – The emotional reality of sales
37:05 – Fragility, resilience, and pressure
38:36 – Identity, self-image, and performance
41:07 – Discomfort, vulnerability, and growth
45:06 – Anxiety and imposter syndrome
52:46 – Revisiting trauma and emotional release
01:07:11 – Breath, awareness, and perspective shifts
01:09:08 – Visualizing success and changing perception
01:11:52 – Fear, confidence, and self-belief
01:14:51 – Transformational moments and breakthroughs
01:18:03 – Understanding emotional responses
01:21:57 – Social pressure, expectations, and comparison
01:25:53 – Finding calm in a fast-paced world
01:29:47 – Redefining success and growth
01:33:46 – The future of hypnosis and mindset work
Show Sponsors:
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#383: From External Success to Inner Struggle: Lousin Mehrabi in Conversation with Spencer Lodge on Rejection, Family Pressure & Finding Self-Worth
2026/02/02
In this conversation, Lousin Mehrabi sits down with Spencer Lodge for an open and reflective discussion that goes beyond surface-level success. Through thoughtful questioning, Lousin encourages Spencer to open up about the gap between external achievement and internal fulfillment and how family expectations, particularly his relationship with his father, shaped his drive and self-perception.
Spencer reflects on navigating rejection, pressure, and self-doubt, and how resilience, forgiveness, and self-awareness helped him redefine success on his own terms. The conversation also explores the impact of parenting, gratitude, and meaningful connection on personal growth. Spencer shares lessons from his journey in sales, life in Dubai, and using success as a platform for purpose through charity work and storytelling, including a documentary focused on resilience and human impact. A grounded, honest exchange about turning pressure into progress and ambition into something that truly matters.
00:00 The Illusion of Success
02:54 The Weight of Expectations
06:09 The Burden of Shame
08:59 The Struggle with Self-Perception
12:00 The Relentless Pursuit of Achievement
15:05 The Challenge of Connection
18:10 The Impact of Family Dynamics
20:57 The Journey of Forgiveness
24:05 The Role of Parenting
27:10 The Power of Resilience
30:03 The Path to Financial Success
32:57 The Fear of Rejection
45:42 The Numbers Game of Rejection
48:10 Learning the Sales Process
54:51 The Journey Through Different Countries
57:39 Life in Dubai: A Personal Perspective
01:00:13 Helping Others: The Power of Charity
01:08:30 The Documentary: A Story of Resilience
01:13:42 The Inner Struggle: Balancing Success and Responsibility
Show Sponsors:
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#382: From Plumber to £148M Exit: Charlie Mullins on Grit, Failure & Building an Empire
2026/01/26
Charlie Mullins is a deeply contradictory and complex figure - from a deprived council-estate childhood in south London to founding a plumbing empire, cashing out for £148 million and remaking himself as a global-living, politically outspoken tycoon.
He embodies both the grit of old-school trades and the excesses of modern wealth. His post-sale life is marked by public provocation - from giant anti-Brexit signs to incendiary social media posts, and threats to relocate his wealth abroad which are now in force as he is here to get his residency.
His journey offers a potent lens: success, escape, conflict, and reinvention, but also tension, moral ambiguity. He is confrontational, outspoken and a political provocateur.
2:40 – Charlie's childhood
6:03 – Plumber apprenticeship
09:56 – Bill, the man Charlie looked up to
17:28 – The importance of apprenticeships
20:22 – Success is simple
21:58 – Nearly going bankrupt
25:34 – Selling for 148 million
26:19 – Charlie's regrets
32:17 – People pay for quality
40:53 – London is unsafe
45:16 – The importance of having a job
50:08 – Coming to Dubai
54:15 – Favorite things about Dubai
57:31 – Youngsters don't have a future in the UK
1:02:53 – An opinion that would break the internet
1:04:43 – Harshest truth about success
1:07:25 – Charlie's message to Bill
Show Sponsors:
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#381: The Accident That Changed How Cyrus Rustom Sees Risk, Discipline & Life
2026/01/19
This episode isn't about motivation. It's about perspective.
Cyrus Rustom shares the moments that reshaped how he sees life — from joining the Marines at 16 to escape chaos at home, to surviving an accident he was certain he wouldn't live through, to rebuilding everything afterward.
We talk about business failures, discipline myths, opening a company one week before Covid shut the world down and why real risk isn't danger — it's waiting for certainty that never comes.
This conversation isn't polished or performative.
It's about identity, loss, belonging, and what changes when you realise time isn't guaranteed.
Some decisions aren't heroic.
They're survival.
3:31 – Learning What Not to Do
5:28 – The Biggest Mistakes
09:35 – The Discipline Lie
12:37 – The Start of Boxica
14:32 - Worst Timing Possible
16:12 – Making People Feel Welcome at The Gym
24:05 – Entrepreneurship
24:52 – What is Success?
36:27 - I Joined the Marines at 16
39:35 – The World of the Marines
54:44 - Crushed Between Two Vehicles
1:01:42 - Perspective Saved Me
1:05:27 - Leaving Was Lonely
1:07:42 - I Wouldn't Change What Happened
Show Sponsors:
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#380: Creators Are Losing Millions And This Tech Could Fix It
2026/01/12
From buying Bitcoin at $66 to tokenizing gas fields. In this episode, Sebastian Huth reveals the hidden lessons most people miss about crypto, tokenization, real estate and creator economy.
Learn why leaving your crypto on exchanges is a huge risk, why infrastructure beats hype every time and how tokenization is about to change the way we own almost everything, including real estate and even energy.
Don't miss the shocking stats about creators losing millions on streaming platforms and how Air channel could be the next game-changer.
2:59 Buying Bitcoin at 66.99$
6:35 Crypto is only the tip of the iceberg
7:32 How to tokenize a property
10:24 How to buy tokens
12:13 Why choose tokenization over the traditional way
15:51 You can tokenize anything
18:07 The process broken down
20:15 The importance of creating your own wallet
24:25 Air: Artificial Intelligence Radio
29:10 Content creators don't make enough money from traditional platforms
37:34 Redefining the audio space
Show Sponsors:
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Podcast reviews
Read Made in Dubai with Spencer Lodge podcast reviews
4.3 out of 5
15 reviews
★★★★★
MSGMD 2023/01/24
Spencer brings out the best that guests have to offer
I had the privilege of being a guest on Spencer’s podcast. He has a way of creating a safe space where you can be your most authentic and vulnerable s...
★★★★★
Donalpk76 2021/02/10
Great interviewer
Of all the podcasts out there his style is from the hip , refreshing and to the point