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 Intro

4:13 Start of The Journey

7:24 Rowing

9:07 Embracing Challenges

12:08 What are the Saudi Games?

15:23 Rowing to Skiing?

18:04 Olympic Qualifications

30:24 Skiing Without Snow

33:05 Olympics Selection and Winter Sports

36:29 Maintaining Mental Strength

50:19 Olympic Ambitions and Self Advice

54:35 Closing Thoughts

"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 Intro

1:30 First Impressions of Saudi Arabia

3:48 Economic Impact of Michelin

8:07 Working at Michelin

8:59 Tokyo’s Culinary Scene

10:04 Origins of the Guide

11:53 Inspector Criteria & Training

15:21 Inspector Anonymity

25:56 Supporting Local Restaurants

31:01 Common Misconceptions and Myths

36:06 Local Market Growth

38:36 Impressions of Saudi Cuisine

42:07 Advice for Saudi Chefs

44:45 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/4e9BdU0

Website https://bit.ly/3YktQUI

Instagram https://bit.ly/3YFpWGn

X https://bit.ly/3LMJOzi

LinkedIn https://bit.ly/3A0b2QJ

Saudia

Website https://bit.ly/495n6fB

Instagram https://bit.ly/3UgTTdA

X https://bit.ly/4beIQY8

Whoop

https://join.whoop.com/gb/en/moshow/

Noon Instagram

https://bit.ly/3XRScUY

Website https://bit.ly/44lnA1S

Pizza Hut Jeddah

Instagram https://bit.ly/3T87mjt

Website http://bit.ly/3UtnkWq

Tim Hortons Instagram

https://bit.ly/3UQDk6u

X http://bit.ly/3AgbAPi

Website http://bit.ly/3LgUres

IWC Instagram https://bit.ly/44dxbFW

Website https://bit.ly/43K8JMk

Credits

Maha Turki Al-Subaie | Guest

Mo Islam | Host Founder

Ryan Ismail | COO

Faisal Nejaim | Show Manager

Gregoris Kalai | Head of Strategy

Tito | Creative Director

Youssef Hamieh | Production Manager

Powered by "STUCK?" | Translation

Motaz is a Palestinian photojournalist and humanitarian storyteller who became one of the most recognized voices documenting life under siege in Gaza. With his camera as his witness, Motaz risked everything to shed light on the brutal realities faced by his people sharing unfiltered stories, haunting images, and raw truths that the world could no longer ignore.

Born and raised in Gaza, Motaz began his field work at a young age, driven by a deep sense of duty and resistance. From surviving airstrikes to capturing moments of both tragedy and resilience, his work has gone viral, turning him into a symbol of courage and civilian journalism in the face of overwhelming danger. In this powerful and emotional episode, Motaz opens up like never before.

We talk about the price of fame, the emotional toll of witnessing repeated massacres, his departure from Gaza, struggles with PTSD, social media censorship, and what it means to carry the responsibility of telling a nation’s story. He also speaks on faith, hope, trauma, the hypocrisy of global powers, and whether peace is even possible.

This isn’t just an episode about war. It’s about dignity, conviction, and legacy. This is Motaz Azaiza: Unfiltered, human, and unforgettable!

0:00 Introos!

3:05 Staying in Gaza

4:19 Fame Its Price

7:50 Early Life Field Work

10:49 Hustles Responsibility

15:22 First Time Abroad

17:28 Life in Gaza

21:32 Work Equipment

24:32 October 7

26:02 Going Viral

29:06 Change or No Change?

30:57 Past Massacres

32:28 Before the Occupation

34:29 Future Hopes

36:12 Worst War Yet

37:05 Social Media Blocks

41:04 Leaving Gaza

44:27 To Help or Document

45:42 Trauma PTSD

48:44 Mixed Reactions

50:45 Faith Omra

54:23 Journalism Risks

57:13 Losing Passion

59:59 UN US Role

1:02:01 Hypocrisy Abroad

1:04:58 Blame Ignorance

1:06:04 Dignity Misconceptions

1:10:11 Sympathy Fame

1:13:33 Arab Aid

1:16:04 Divided Leadership

1:19:20 If Gaza Were Free

1:21:04 Global Silence

1:21:47 Free Palestine?

1:22:28 Gaza Museum

1:23:37 Leadership Crisis

1:24:36 One-State?

1:25:25 My Solution

1:26:53 No to Politics

1:27:23 What Drives Me

1:27:45 Near-Death Moments

1:28:42 Values Regrets

1:30:14 Religion Manipulation

1:33:45 Legacy

1:34:42 Closing

Watch the full episode on YouTube

https://bit.ly/4ejySHe

Whoop

Instagram http://bit.ly/444RjKV

Website http://bit.ly/4n64UKF

https://join.whoop.com/gb/en/moshow/

Noon Instagram https://bit.ly/3XRScUY

Website https://bit.ly/44lnA1S

Download the App http://bit.ly/463evvx

Credits

Motaz Azaiza | Guest

Mo Islam | Host Founder

Ryan Ismail | COO

Misha Saied | Director Producer

Tito | Content Manager

Gregoris Kalai | Head of Strategy

Faisal Nejaim | Show Manager

Youssef Hamieh | Production Manager

Powered by "STUCK?" | Translation

Episode Produced by | Kraken Production Studio

A returning guest on the podcast, Ziyad “Zizo” Almaayouf is Saudi Arabia’s first professional boxer undefeated, unapologetically proud, and a GQ Middle East cover star representing a bold new generation.

Born in New York City on July 2, 2000, Zizo took up boxing at age 11 and overcame early challenges due to limited training resources. At 19, he moved to Los Angeles to train under legendary coach Buddy McGirt, fully committing to his craft and his country.

On August 20, 2022, Zizo made history with a first-round knockout in his professional debut becoming the first Saudi to win a pro boxing match. Now 8–0, he’s more than a rising star; he’s a symbol of Saudi excellence, blending world-class athleticism with the ambition of Vision 2030.

Guided by elite mentorship and backed by the Kingdom’s leadership and growing investment in sports, Zizo steps into the ring not just to win, but to inspire. He represents the next generation of Saudi athletes: disciplined, global, and driven to lead. Outside the ring, Zizo continues to shape Saudi Arabia’s evolving sports and entertainment landscape, paving the way for future champions across the region.

0:00 Intro

3:12 Vision 2030’s role in boxing

6:14 Facing top-ranked opponents

7:51 Mindset: focus on next win

10:04 Impact on global boxing

12:31 Reviving boxing’s golden era

15:00 Saudi intervention in sport

18:13 Why I chose boxing

26:23 Saudi hospitality

32:35 Power of positive self-talk

37:54 Reframing negative thoughts

44:16 What true patience means

59:08 Lessons from my father

1:02:04 Viewing pressure as privilege

1:05:31 Defining success and legacy

Christoph is the CEO of IWC Schaffhausen, where he blends creative design sensibility with strategic leadership to steer one of Switzerland’s premier luxury watchmakers. Originally from Germany, he studied interior design in England and Switzerland before first collaborating with IWC in 2006 to design its museum.

As CEO, Christophe has focused on honoring IWC’s heritage while driving innovation and sustainability, and he has overseen the brand’s growing digital presence. His tenure has seen significant achievements, including IWC winning the prestigious “Aiguille d’Or” at the 2024 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève. Outside the world of watchmaking, Christoph is passionate about cycling and architecture—interests that reflect the same precision and design ethos central to IWC’s philosophy.

On this episode, Mo dives into an honest and thought-provoking conversation with Christoph, exploring where he envisions taking IWC next, what challenges weigh on his mind, and whether he feels truly fulfilled at this point in his life.

Presented By

KAFD App https://apple.co/4e9BdU0

Website https://bit.ly/3YktQUI

Instagram https://bit.ly/3YFpWGn

X https://bit.ly/3LMJOzi

LinkedIn https://bit.ly/3A0b2QJ

Saudia Website https://bit.ly/495n6fB

Instagram https://bit.ly/3UgTTdA

X https://bit.ly/4beIQY8

Whoop

https://join.whoop.com/gb/en/moshow/

Noon

Instagram https://bit.ly/3XRScUY

Website https://bit.ly/44lnA1S Whoop https://join.whoop.com/gb/en/moshow/

Pizza Hut Jeddah

Instagram https://bit.ly/3T87mjt

Website http://bit.ly/3UtnkWq

Tim Hortons

Instagram https://bit.ly/3UQDk6u

X http://bit.ly/3AgbAPi

Website http://bit.ly/3LgUres

IWC

Instagram https://bit.ly/44dxbFW

Website https://bit.ly/43K8JMk

Credits

Christoph Grainger-Herr | Guest

Mo Islam | Host Founder

Ryan Ismail | COO

Faisal Nejaim | Show Manager

Gregoris Kalai | Head of Strategy

Tito | Creative Director

Youssef Hamieh | Production Manager

Powered by "STUCK?" | Translation

Mustafa is an author, historian, and creator of the acclaimed ‘Beyond Bilal’ lecture series, for a wide-ranging conversation on faith, identity, and the often-overlooked contributions of Black-Muslims throughout history.

Mustafa shares the personal story of how his journey into Islamic scholarship began, and what inspired his mission to shed light on the rich, global legacy of Black-Muslim communities—from West Africa to the Americas. He opens up about how his own identity has shaped his scholarship and activism, and how he navigates the tension between Western academia and traditional Islamic knowledge systems. We dive into his latest book, ‘Islam and the Making of the Modern World’, discussing the key takeaways he hopes readers will walk away with, particularly around Islam’s impact on science, philosophy, and global civilisation.

Mustafa reflects on the power of storytelling as a tool for education and transformation, and why he believes it’s essential for reaching younger generations of Muslims seeking to reclaim a sense of pride in their heritage. We also unpack deeper philosophical questions on whether or not suffering is necessary for growth in today’s world.

Finally, we touch on the marginalization of Black-Muslims in Islamic history, the steps needed to reframe that narrative, and the unifying spiritual threads that connect diverse communities around the globe. With insights both intimate and intellectual, this episode is a powerful reminder of the resilience, beauty, and global significance of Black-Muslim contributions to our shared story.

Mustafa Briggs

Instagram https://bit.ly/4j7gRfL

Byond Bilal on Amazon https://bit.ly/4jYblgO

Presented By KAFD App https://apple.co/4e9BdU0

Website https://bit.ly/3YktQUI

Instagram https://bit.ly/3YFpWGn

X https://bit.ly/3LMJOzi

LinkedIn https://bit.ly/3A0b2QJ

Saudia Website https://bit.ly/495n6fB

Instagram https://bit.ly/3UgTTdA

X https://bit.ly/4beIQY8

Whoop

https://join.whoop.com/gb/en/moshow/

Noon Instagram https://bit.ly/3XRScUY

Website https://bit.ly/44lnA1S Whoop https://join.whoop.com/gb/en/moshow/

Pizza Hut Jeddah

Instagram https://bit.ly/3T87mjt

Website http://bit.ly/3UtnkWq

Tim Hortons Instagram https://bit.ly/3UQDk6u

X http://bit.ly/3AgbAPi

Website http://bit.ly/3LgUres

IWC Instagram https://bit.ly/44dxbFW

Website https://bit.ly/43K8JMk

Credits

Mustafa Briggs | Guest

Mo Islam | Host Founder

Ryan Ismail | COO

Faisal Nejaim | Show Manager

Gregoris Kalai | Head of Strategy

Tito | Creative Director

Youssef Hamieh | Production Manager

Powered by "STUCK?" | Translation

Spanish entrepreneur and former politician, Alejandro Agag is best known for pioneering sustainable motorsport. In 2012, he founded Formula E Holdings, launching the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship in 2014—the first-ever all-electric single-seater racing series. Under his leadership, Formula E has grown into a global platform for advancing electric vehicle tech and championing sustainability.

On this episode, Mo and Alejandro dive into the early struggles of getting Formula E off the ground—the highs, the lows, who backed him, who didn’t—and how it all led to a 15-race calendar and partnerships with some of the biggest brands in the world!

0:00 Intro To Formula E

3:07 Early Rejections

4:50 Startup Challenges

8:42 Formula E in Saudi

11:19 Extreme H

12:11 Sustainability and Real Impact

16:39 The Future of Racing

18:15 Formula E vs Formula 1

20:10 Growth of Formula E

25:26 The Thrill of Starting New Projects

26:38 Growing Global Fanbase

29:07 Burnout and Constant Travel

30:01 Mentors

31:10 IWC Rapid-Fire Questions

32:12 Closing Remarks & Final Reflections