Authentic curation stands as a revolutionary act in a world drowning in sameness. What began as an intentional practice of selecting and editing life's experiences has morphed into a misunderstood buzzword—thrown around by brands without truly grasping its essence. But true curation runs deeper than aesthetic choices; it's about discernment, individuality, and the courage to express genuine opinions.

Growing up with parents who naturally curated everything from home décor to conversational topics, I developed an early appreciation for intentionality. This foundation revealed itself as invaluable in our current digital landscape, where algorithmic recommendations and influencer culture have created a disturbing phenomenon: people becoming indistinguishable clones of one another.

The future belongs to voices with actual perspectives rather than those chasing viral moments. As social media evolves, audiences will gravitate toward curators who offer thoughtful selection rather than endless content. We're entering an era where personality matters again, where having taste and discernment will differentiate the voices worth following. My vision for curation extends beyond products to curating perspectives, ideas, and ultimately, a way of living that honors individuality.

I added a concise pre-summer essentials curation for you guys at the end!

Stay tuned for more on @thecurationpodcast.

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The art world thrives on connections – between artists and institutions, across cultures, and through the passionate individuals who dedicate their lives to fostering creative dialogue. Dr. Princess Alia Al Senussi stands as perhaps the quintessential example of this connective power, described by Hans Ulrich Obrist as "the ultimate junction maker" in the global contemporary art scene.

As we dive into this fascinating conversation, Dr. Al Senussi takes us through her journey from being a "third culture kid" of Libyan and American heritage to becoming one of the most influential figures in international art circles. Without any social media presence – a rarity in today's hyperconnected world – she has established herself as a crucial bridge between regions, institutions, and artistic communities through sheer persistence, genuine curiosity, and an unwavering belief in art's power to transcend boundaries.

Her professional evolution from Art Basel's UK and MENA representative to Senior Advisor International Outreach reveals the delicate balance between professional dedication and personal passion that drives meaningful cultural exchange.

Perhaps most revealing is Dr. Al Senussi's account of her involvement with Saudi Arabia's cultural renaissance. Despite encountering prejudice from colleagues who "absolutely didn't even want to hear that there were artists in this country," her persistence in highlighting the kingdom's vibrant creative community has helped transform global perceptions. Her co-authored book, "Arts in Saudi Arabia: A New Creative Economy," stands as a testament to this commitment.

For those aspiring to similar paths, her advice is refreshingly straightforward: "You need to engage, you need to be persistent, and you need to show up." In an industry built on relationships and in-person connections, there's simply no substitute for being physically present where art happens. Whether you're pursuing curatorial work, arts administration, or cultural diplomacy, follow Dr. Al Senussi's example – be "everything everywhere all at once" in your passionate pursuit of artistic connection.

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What happens when a fourth-generation Syrian American decides to revive and reimagine classical Arabic music traditions from New York City? Faraj Abyad takes us on a mesmerizing journey through the microtonal landscapes of Tarab and Maqam theory while breaking industry norms with his original compositions.

Raised in a household where the legendary recordings of Sabah Fakhri played alongside his formal studies in jazz and Western music, Abyad developed a unique musical identity that bridges cultural worlds. As he explains, "I found that microtones in this music kind of took me to a state of Tarab or took me to a state of ecstasy that we can't find in Western music." This fascination with the emotional power of Arabic music theory became the foundation for his compositional approach.

Unlike many contemporary Arabic musicians who primarily cover the works of icons like Um Kulthum or Fayrouz, Abyad is dedicated to creating new classical Arabic compositions. We wpeak about him recording at New York's legendary Power Station Studios and working with The Originals and Oswalds Mills Audio.

The conversation reveals fascinating details about his album cover featuring Jawad Salim's rare painting "In the Presence of the Caliph" (unseen in color for 70 years) and his upcoming performance at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Listen now to discover how Faraj Abyad is creating new pathways for classical Arabic music in the modern world—and why his work matters for the future of this rich tradition.

Follow @thecurationpod and @hunaliving for more conversations exploring the intersection of art, culture, and innovation.

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Scent has a powerful ability to transport us through time and space, evoking memories with just one breath. In this riveting conversation with Yasmin Khalil, founder of KŌDO London, we unlock the secrets of luxury home fragrance that honors both indulgence and wellness simultaneously.

Yasmin reveals how her Lebanese heritage and interior design background converged to create something truly revolutionary: decadent, food-inspired home fragrances that are potent and non-toxic. After discovering that conventional fragrance products can contain up to 4,000 hidden chemicals (many linked to serious health concerns like hormone disruption and reproductive issues), she set out to create a clean alternative that sacrifices nothing in luxury or scent experience.

The magic of KŌDO lies in its gourmand inspirations—think dark chocolate espresso, matcha vanilla coconut, and caramelized citrus—all crafted to evoke those special moments throughout our day. Yasmin walks us through how scent can transform spaces and moods, sharing her personal rituals for morning energizing, workout preparation, and evening unwinding.

Visit KŌDO London for more and to check out their mini sets available now!

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A powerful conversation unfolds at Art Dubai 2025 as three visionary women share their journeys through the evolving landscape of arts education in the UAE. Dean Janet Bellotto of Zayed University, artist-educator Afra Al Dhaheri, and artist-founder of Medaf Studio Alia Hussain Lootah reveal the transformative potential of creative learning while challenging traditional pedagogical approaches.

Their personal stories illustrate remarkable transitions—from financial accounting and PR studies to pioneering artistic practices—highlighting how educational interventions can dramatically alter life trajectories. The dialogue explores how community-building sits at the heart of effective arts education. "I think our scene is very community-based and that's important," notes Afra, who opens her studio to interns and connects students with mentors.

Most compelling is their vision for the future—arts education that embraces performance, climate resilience, and interdisciplinary approaches. Alia's work with children emphasizes creative freedom: "It's okay to make mistakes...you are allowed to put materials that don't make sense together." As Janet concludes, growth comes from "working alongside different generations" within an ecosystem where everyone both teaches and learns.

For more on each speaker visit @afra_aldhaheri, @aliahlootah_ and @Janet Bellotto.

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Nour Hassan dives into the universal struggle of imposter syndrome, sharing personal stories and actionable strategies to overcome self-doubt and fully own your worth.

• Understanding imposter syndrome as a sign of growth rather than inadequacy
• Normalizing these feelings by recognizing they affect even the most accomplished individuals
• Creating a "confidence file" to document achievements and positive feedback for moments of self-doubt
• Learning to separate feelings of inadequacy from the factual evidence of your capabilities
• Taking action without waiting to feel completely ready or prepared
• Embracing your unique perspective as something no one else can bring to the table
• Recognizing that your authentic voice is your greatest asset

If not now, when? And if not you, then who? Follow @thecurationpod and @NourHassan on Instagram to stay updated on all our content and future interviews.

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From construction engineer to environmental researcher to destination visionary — Ibrahim El Missiri's career path defies conventional trajectories while offering profound insights into what makes extraordinary destinations thrive. As the CEO of Soma Bay Red Sea, El Missiri worked on the transformation of a stunning Red Sea peninsula into one of Egypt's premier destinations through strategic vision, innovative placemaking, and a deep understanding of both social and financial capital.

The conversation reveals how El Missiri's diverse background shaped his approach to development. His early work on iconic projects like the Four Seasons Giza laid a foundation in construction, while his environmental studies funded by a hard-won British scholarship (after three years of rejection) instilled principles of sustainability. His master's degree in Built Environment from UCL introduced him to placemaking concepts that would later define Soma Bay's distinctive character.

What truly distinguishes this interview is El Missiri's fascinating perspective on "social capital" versus "financial capital" and how relationships form the true currency of success in Egyptian business. After years working internationally, he recognized that maintaining strong local networks was crucial, explaining his decision to return to Egypt despite promising opportunities abroad in companies such as Dubai World and Expo 2020.

Today, Soma Bay hosts music festivals and international events such as Narrative PR Summit, bring ing together indouals form across regions and disciplines to come together on the Egyptian Red Sea peninsula of Soma Bay.

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Meet Mai Galal, the visionary stylist who has revolutionized Egypt's fashion landscape through her extraordinary career spanning decades. Far from an overnight success, Mai's journey began with a needle and thread at age eight, crafting homemade outfits for her Barbie dolls and transforming orange peels into artistic expressions. That same creative spirit would eventually lead her to style Egypt's most prestigious event in recent history – the globally televised Pharaohs Parade.

In our conversation, Mai opens up about navigating her "double life" – balancing the glamour of high-profile styling with the grounded reality of motherhood. She shares intimate details of her morning routine, which transformed after a health scare forced her to become more present and mindful in her daily life. Rather than following trendy 10-step skincare routines, Mai swears by what she calls "ancient Egyptian remedies" – olive oil, black seed oil, and simple traditional approaches that have stood the test of time.

Mai has styled everyone from iconic Egyptian stars Mona Zaki, Youssra, and Angham, to Amina Khalil, Nelly Karim, Yasmin Sabri and more.

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