Ready for a seasonal transformation? Just as the leaves begin their magnificent shift, your habits can experience a beautiful reset too. After finally embracing a true summer break—eating whatever I wanted and skipping workouts without guilt—I'm now craving structure again. It's that delicious contradiction of human nature: we need both freedom and framework to thrive.

This episode walks you through my seven-step F/W reset plan that guarantees you'll enter the New Year feeling physically refreshed and mentally prepared. From rediscovering movement that truly brings you joy (hint: consistency trumps intensity) to the remarkable benefits of morning journaling using Julia Cameron's "Morning Pages" technique, each strategy builds upon the next.

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What does it take to document a cultural renaissance? Rebecca Anne Proctor never planned to become a journalist, yet her natural curiosity and love for writing led her to the forefront of Middle Eastern art and cultural reporting during its most transformative period.

Growing up between America and Italy with an artist mother and writer father, Rebecca's global perspective was shaped early. After completing studies in art history and Middle Eastern Islamic studies, a weekend trip to Beirut sparked a love affair with the region that turned a planned two-year stay into a 17-year immersion. Her timing couldn't have been more fortuitous – arriving just as major museums were opening, Christie's was establishing its Dubai presence, and regional art publications were emerging.

From her first unpaid article for Business of Fashion to becoming Editor-in-Chief of Harper's Bazaar Art Arabia and Harper's Bazaar Interiors Arabia, Rebecca's journey reflects the region's own cultural evolution. She witnessed firsthand the establishment of the Mathaf Museum of Modern Arab Art, the reopening of cinemas in Saudi Arabia, and the dramatic shifts in how art and culture are supported across the Gulf.

The conversation takes a particularly fascinating turn when Rebecca discusses co-authoring "Art in Saudi Arabia: A New Creative Economy" – the first comprehensive book about contemporary Saudi art during the kingdom's social transformation. She reveals the delicate balance required to present Saudi artists on their own terms while addressing Western concerns about art-washing and freedom of expression. "I was feeling frustrated because I thought reviews weren't really giving Saudi artists and creatives a real chance to speak and be visible on their own terms," she explains.

Rebecca's career advice, born from her background as a trained ballerina, resonates beyond journalism: persist through challenges, maintain self-care practices, and remain open to unexpected opportunities. Now dividing her time between Rome and Dubai, her story exemplifies how building bridges between cultures can create something truly extraordinary. What cultural shifts are you witnessing that deserve deeper storytelling?

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We've stopped being original, and it's time to get our uniqueness back. This episode explores how to break free from the clone culture that's making everyone look the same and reclaim your authentic personal style.

• The problem of "copy-paste" culture where everyone wears identical fashion items and adopts the same aesthetic
• How constant social media exposure erodes our ability to form independent style opinions
• The importance of carefully curating who you follow on social media platforms
• Using saved folders instead of following accounts to maintain your independent perspective
• Spending time shopping alone to discover what you genuinely like without outside influence
• Cultivating fearlessness and being unapologetic about your personal style choices
• Why originality will ultimately become your edge in a world of sameness

Don't forget to follow @TheCurationPodcast and stay tuned for all of our future episodes, as well as at @NourHassan and at @PilatesbyNour, for all of my content.

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What does it mean to create spaces where people truly live, not just exist?
Eng. Mohamed Edris, the visionary behind Mabany Edris, shares how his journey from construction engineer to pioneering developer has transformed Egypt’s landscapes—from Sheikh Zayed to Ras El Hekma.

Driven by the joy of turning empty desert into thriving communities, Edris builds with purpose: medical facilities, logistics hubs, and residential compounds designed around real needs, not fleeting trends. His landmark projects include ASAYLA, the first compound in the renowned Asyut area of Southern Egypt—launched during the pandemic—and KOUN in Ras El Hekma, a bold embodiment of the “be your natural self” concept that’s redefining the North Coast experience. At the heart of his work lies a commitment to credibility: completing projects before starting new ones.

Through bold moves and deep community insight, Edris proves that real estate is not just about bricks and cement—it’s about building human experiences.

Visit our YouTube channel to watch the full interview on The Curation Podcast or Mabany Edris's page, or listen on your favorite podcast platform.

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Ready to transform your life but feeling overwhelmed by endless social obligations and digital distractions? This episode reveals the counterintuitive secrets to genuine personal growth that nobody talks about.

The most powerful life upgrades often come from what you subtract, not what you add. Discover why "leaving early" has become my personal mantra and how the LIFO method (Last In, First Out) has revolutionized my approach to professional events. You'll learn why protecting your social battery isn't selfish—it's essential for creating the mental space needed for meaningful work and personal development.

In this solo episode, I share the counterintuitive strategies that helped me truly level up—starting with why subtraction, not addition, leads to growth.

From leaving events early (my “LIFO” method) to curating a digital space that serves your vision—not your social circle—you’ll learn how to protect your energy, master deep work, and say “no” without guilt.

We’ll talk boundaries, phone-free rituals, finding movement you love, and clearing out anything—or anyone—that drains you. If you’re ready to reclaim your time, focus, and personal power… this episode is for you.

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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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