Shows
The Strange History PodcastThe Epic of Calum’s Road: How One Stubborn Scotsman Built a Road With a Shovel and Petty DeterminationDiscover the unbelievable true story of Calum MacLeod, the Scottish postman who single-handedly built a 1.75-mile road on the Isle of Raasay after the government refused to do it. This humorous and deeply detailed episode of The Strange History Podcast explores how one man’s determination, stubbornness, and pure Highland grit transformed an isolated community and created one of the most inspiring feats of DIY engineering in modern history. Packed with historical context, true accounts, and comedic storytelling, this is the definitive tale of Calum’s Road—Scotland’s most legendary road built by a single man armed only with a shovel...
2025-12-2209 min
The Bits You Don't See#044 - Brendan Gow - How to Build Wealth in Global MarketsWhat does it really take to build wealth that lasts?After 20 years in finance, Brendan Gow realised most of the industry didn’t truly understand money. In this episode, the Dubai-based entrepreneur and private wealth expert opens up about how he rebuilt his approach to business, investing, and life — putting integrity and self-awareness at the core of everything.Brendan shares the lessons that only experience can teach — how to create financial freedom, what the numbers don’t tell you, and why passion and structure matter more than luck.Key takeaways:
2025-12-051h 00
The Bits You Don't See#043 - Charlotte Stebbing-Mills - Overcoming Workplace Stress and AnxietyWhat happens when stress stops being manageable and starts controlling your life?Charlotte Stebbing-Mills joins The Bits You Don’t See to talk about the hidden side of workplace anxiety, burnout and rebuilding strength after breaking point.Through her story, Charlotte shares how chronic stress and performance pressure led to anxiety and self-doubt, and how she slowly learned to trust herself again. This episode is a grounded, honest look at what recovery and balance really mean – not the polished version we see online, but the human one that takes time, courage and honesty.
2025-11-141h 16
The Bits You Don't See#042 – Mark Pickup – The Untold Story of Dubai’s DJ + Nightlife BoomFrom dusty decks in Liverpool to launching MixMag UAE in 2025, Mark Pickup has spent decades at the heart of nightlife and media. In this episode, he pulls back the curtain on Dubai’s evolution—from underground beats to headline DJs, from fringe venues to festival‑sized crowds.Whether you live for the bass, curate the scene, or just love what nightlife culture can bring—this one’s for you.What you’ll hear:How Mark turned passion into a platform with MixMag UAEThe untold...
2025-10-3146 min
The Bits You Don't See#042 – Nick Glover – Conquering Triple Everest, Beating Cancer, and Redefining ResilienceHe cycled through chemotherapy. Climbed the height of Everest three times.Crashed his bike mid-race, snapped his front wheel… and still turned up the next day to run a double marathon.Then, just two weeks after finishing treatment, he played 90 minutes of football.This isn’t about motivation.This is about choosing movement over comfort, and purpose over pain.It’s about doing hard things, even when nobody's watching.🎙️ In this episode of The Bits You Don’t See, we dive into:• The brutal “dan...
2025-10-241h 36
The Bits You Don't See#040 – Melissa McAllister – From Dubai Dance Trauma to Breathwork BreakthroughWhat happens when a professional dancer in Dubai hits breaking point - and turns her pain into powerful transformation?Melissa McAllister opens up about the untold truth behind the glamour, the trauma of performing under pressure, and how she rebuilt her life through breathwork, emotional healing, and deep self-reflection.From being replaced mid-show to sitting with heartbreak during lockdown, Melissa's story is raw, inspiring, and unforgettable.We cover breathwork, body image, trauma healing, and what it really means to come home to yourself.
2025-10-171h 26
The Bits You Don't See#039 – Nehha – She Quit Her Job to Build LinkedIn EmpiresShe left a stable job, posted once a week, and built a 6-figure business helping CEOs go viral.In this episode, we sit down with Nehha — a LinkedIn strategist who scaled from freelancer to 16 clients in 6 months, all through the power of personal branding.From growing up in Saudi and travelling to 52+ countries, to flopping during COVID and bouncing back — this is a story of clarity, failure, and fierce consistency.If you’re a founder, creator, or entrepreneur still hiding behind your logo… this one’s for you.
2025-10-1054 min
The Bits You Don't See#038 – Michael Roos – From Alcohol Struggles to Turning Professional in Boxing at 31From drinking a litre of whisky a day during lockdown… to making his professional boxing debut at 31.This is the story of Michael Roos, a man who grew up surrounded by athletes but lost his way through ill-discipline, alcohol, and self-doubt — before turning his life around in the boxing ring.In this raw and inspiring episode of The Bits You Don’t See, Michael opens up about:🥃 Hitting rock bottom with whisky and Deliveroo during lockdown⚽ Growing up in a sporting family but failing to fulfil his early potential
2025-10-0352 min
The Bits You Don't See#037 – Hannah Pryde – From Losing £500K to Selling Dubai Luxury PropertyShe moved to Dubai at just 21 with no safety net, battled through dyslexia, failed jobs, and self-doubt… only to lose a £500,000 real estate commission that nearly broke her. 💸But Hannah Pryde didn’t quit. Instead, she rebuilt from scratch — closing multi-million-dirham property deals, running her own migration business, and now launching an AI startup set to transform how salespeople build relationships.This is not your typical success story. It’s raw, unfiltered, and packed with lessons on resilience, risk, and chasing opportunity in Dubai’s fast-moving luxury property market.💡 What you’ll learn in t...
2025-09-261h 39
The Bits You Don't See#036 – Phil Bedford – The Rebel Networker: How to Build Powerful Relationships That Transform BusinessHow do you go from being a bullied, anxious kid in Devon… to becoming one of the most trusted voices in networking and relationship marketing in Dubai?That’s the story of Phil Bedford – The Rebel Networker.Phil has lived in Dubai for 27 years, built multiple businesses, written five books, taught governments and entrepreneurs across the Middle East, and even become a professor — despite failing at school. His mission? To prove that referrals, relationships, and credibility will always outperform cold calls and empty marketing spend.In this episode...
2025-09-191h 17
The Bits You Don't See#035 – Calum MacLeod x Calum White - Why I Quit UK Business for Dubai Real EstateI’ve built businesses in the UK, paid millions in tax, employed big teams… and now I’m walking away from it all.Why? Because the UK has become (in my words) “a car crash” for entrepreneurs.This conversation with Calum White (CEO of White & Co.) is raw, unfiltered, and brutally honest. We break down why I’m quitting UK business to start over in Dubai real estate — and why I believe I’ll never leave Dubai for the rest of my life.We cover everything no one tells you ab...
2025-09-141h 24The Bits You Don't See#034 – Deji & Dayo Adebola – How They Went From Zero to 70 Million Views on One TikTokHow Deji & Dayo Went From Zero to 70 Million Views on One Viral TikTok PostWhat does it take for two brothers to go from zero to 70 million views on a single post — with no monetization, no master plan, just pure fun?In this episode of The Bits You Don’t See, I sit down with brothers Deji & Dayo Adebola, the comedy duo behind some of the internet’s funniest reels. We dive deep into how they grew from casual skits to viral stardom, what it’s really like dealing with trolls and clones...
2025-09-111h 41
The Bits You Don't See#034 - Jamie Cormack - He Lost 100K to Build This Boxing EmpireHe lost 100K. Fought on the same night. And turned it into the most exciting fight promotion in the Middle East.In this raw and revealing episode of The Bits You Don’t See, returning guest Jamie Cormack shares the unfiltered truth about building a combat sports brand from scratch in Dubai — and what it really takes to turn pain into power.🎙️ Jamie talks about:• The $100K loss that nearly ended it all• How Dubai’s boxing scene is exploding — and why amateurs are leading the charge• Turning events into movements: Pri...
2025-09-0552 min
The Bits You Don't See#033 - Liam Robertson - From Rock Bottom to Rising Star: Building a Life in Dubai Real EstateFrom redundancy and heartbreak to awards, billboards, and building a life in Dubai — Liam Robertson’s story is one of resilience, risk, and relentless drive.In this episode of The Bits You Don’t See, we sit down with one of Dubai’s fastest-rising real estate brokers to uncover the truth behind his meteoric rise.💡 Liam shares openly about:Leaving Edinburgh to start over in Dubai — with no safety net but a clear “why”The personal struggles (including multiple miscarriages) that reshaped his outlook on life and workWhy he nearly quit real estate three...
2025-08-291h 13
The Bits You Don't See#032 – Aidan Doyle – How I Built a Top Dubai Real Estate Brand with Systems, Belief & AIWant to build a standout brand in Dubai real estate—without burning out?In this episode of The Bits You Don’t See, top Dubai broker Aidan Doyle shares what actually drives listings, lead gen, and lifestyle leverage in the most competitive market in the world.📍What you’ll learn:• How Aidan built a 7-figure brand from cold calls, AI systems & social proof• Why most agents get stuck—and what separates you in this market• The lead-gen model that converts DMs into deals (even when you’re offline)•...
2025-08-151h 32
The Physical Training Company#85 Calum MacLeod – Welcome to the Team
Calum is the newest addition to the coaching team at The Training Room!
From an early age, Calum had a passion for sports, carrying this throughout his academic and professional career.
With a background in strength and conditioning, a BSc in Sport & Exercise Science, MSc in S&C and being a UKSCA Accredited S&C Trainer, Calum ties his knowledge, expertise and interest together to help people achieve their goals!
Episode 85 of the PTC Podcast with Calum is now live!
To check out the pr...
2025-08-1243 min
The PTC Podcast#85 Calum MacLeod – Welcome to the Team
Calum is the newest addition to the coaching team at The Training Room!
From an early age, Calum had a passion for sports, carrying this throughout his academic and professional career.
With a background in strength and conditioning, a BSc in Sport & Exercise Science, MSc in S&C and being a UKSCA Accredited S&C Trainer, Calum ties his knowledge, expertise and interest together to help people achieve their goals!
Episode 85 of the PTC Podcast with Calum is now live!
To check out the pr...
2025-08-1243 min
The PTC Podcast#85 Calum MacLeod - Welcome to the TeamCalum is the newest addition to the coaching team at The Training Room! From an early age, Calum had a passion for sports, carrying this throughout his academic and professional career.With a background in strength and conditioning, a BSc in Sport & Exercise Science, MSc in S&C and being a UKSCA Accredited S&C Trainer, Calum ties his knowledge, expertise and interest together to help people achieve their goals! Episode 85 of the PTC Podcast with Calum is now live!...
2025-08-1243 min
The Bits You Don't See#031 – Jono Carroll – From Street Life & Loss to World Title Fights and RedemptionWhen your idols become your rivals is one of Jono Carroll's most famous quotes, and for good reason.Overcoming almost every single fight put in front of him, Jono 'King Kong' Carroll has had an extensive career in the world of boxing. But it's not always been easy.From escaping the wrong crowd in Ireland to juggling a fledgling boxing career with other work in Australia, Carroll hasn't had the easiest road to success. However, that path has helped build his resiliency, turning him into the formidable fighter and incredible human he's now known as.
2025-08-081h 51
The Bits You Don't See#030 – From Crypto Chaos to Calm Control: The Real Journey to Consistent Trading – Harry SharpeTakeaways: The importance of risk management in trading cannot be overstated, as it is fundamental to long-term success. One must understand that trading is a process involving consistent effort and perseverance over time. The trading industry is often misrepresented online, leading to misconceptions about its nature and challenges. Building a personal brand and community is vital for a trader's growth and accountability in their journey. Successful trading requires a shift in mindset, treating it not as a means to quick profits, but as a professional endeavor. The significance of backtesting and continuous learning in trading cannot be neglected...
2025-08-011h 02
The Bits You Don't See#029 – Daniel Salewski – Rewiring Health and Purpose: From London Fostering to Dubai LongevityWhat if you could reverse your biological age — and rebuild your life at the same time? 🧬💥In this raw and inspiring episode, Daniel Salewski shares his journey from growing up in one of London’s toughest neighbourhoods to building a life-changing fostering agency — and later launching a cutting-edge longevity clinic in Dubai.After suffering from burnout and being misdiagnosed with depression, Daniel discovered NAD therapy, DNA testing, and protocols that helped him transform his health, mindset, and purpose. Now the founder of Elite Vita and Elite Wellness Co, he's helping high performers feel 10–15 y...
2025-07-251h 18
The Bits You Don't See#027 – Raja Zahoor – From Losing $50K in a Day to Running a $15B Trading PlatformWhat happens when you lose $50,000 live on a trading stream — and the world watches?In this episode of *The Bits You Don’t See*, Raja Zahoor shares the raw story behind one of the biggest turning points in his life — and how it led to the creation of Dominion Markets, now processing **over $15 billion in trading volume** every month.We cover:• Growing up in Pakistan and starting fresh in Canada with $30K • Blowing $50K on a single trade – live on air – and rebuilding from rock bottom
2025-07-181h 06
The Bits You Don't See#027 – Tallia Flaher – Building a Dream Business: From Solo Hustle to Sold-Out SuccessTallia Flaher, the founder of a leading marketing agency specializing in the glamping industry, exemplifies the remarkable journey of transforming ambition into reality. In this discussion, we delve into her evolution from a secure corporate position to establishing a thriving business, underscoring the challenges and triumphs along the way. Tallia reflects on the significance of her decision to leave a stable job, which she describes as her proudest moment, and how her agency has surpassed her initial expectations in growth and impact. The conversation further explores the intricacies of managing a business from abroad, the importance of targeted marketing...
2025-07-1149 min
The Bits You Don't See#026 – Kelly Marie Hodgkin – Mrs Dubai on Resilience, Reinvention, and the Power of Owning It AllMrs Dubai on Resilience, Reinvention, and the Power of Owning It All 👑🔥In this raw and empowering episode, entrepreneur, mentor and former Mrs Dubai Kelly Marie Hodgkin shares the unfiltered truth behind the highlight reel.Navigating raising kids, running businesses, and somehow staying fit through it all — Kelly doesn’t just survive it… she owns it. 💪We talk about:💡 Why challenges aren’t setbacks — they’re growth🛠️ The “fixer” mindset (and when it stops serving you)🏋🏽♀️ How fitness became her non-negotiable🎭 The truth about looking “perfect” on t...
2025-06-2731 min
The Bits You Don't See#025 – Luke Lavidis – How to Go Viral, Dominate Your Niche, and Build a Brand from NothingIn this discourse, we engage with Luke Lovides, a prominent figure associated with the Jogo Benito Tour, which successfully facilitated Ronaldinho's visit to Australia. The crux of our conversation revolves around the philosophical dichotomy of pursuing one's passions versus engaging in vocations solely for monetary gain, underscoring that the former engenders lasting fulfillment while the latter often leads to disillusionment. Lovides articulates his aspirations to elevate the soccer landscape in Australia, aiming to position it prominently on the global stage through innovative exhibition matches featuring luminary players. Furthermore, we delve into the nuances of social media's significance in modern...
2025-06-2056 min
The Bits You Don't See#024 – Natasha Mahtani – The Divorce Coach Who Doesn’t Want You to Get DivorcedWhat if the reason you haven’t left… isn’t love — it’s fear?Financial fear. Cultural shame. The quiet voice in your head that says, “What will people think?”In this raw and revealing episode, global relationship and divorce coach Natasha Mahtani joins me to unpack the truths most people never talk about — especially when it comes to staying, leaving, and rediscovering who you are when the relationship ends (or doesn’t).But this isn’t just about separation.It’s about self-worth, identity, and the invisible patterns that keep us...
2025-06-131h 22
The Bits You Don't See#023 – Oliver Anwar – Engineering Energy for Founders: From Broke to Optimising CEOsWhat does it take to go from filling vending machines at 4am… to coaching executives at Amazon, Meta and Tinder?In this raw and insightful conversation, performance coach Oliver Anwar shares his journey from rock bottom to building a global coaching business — not just focused on six packs and macros, but sustainable, identity-driven change.We talk about:Why sleep is the highest ROI move in fitnessThe real reason most people fail their health goalsHow to buil...
2025-06-061h 18
The Bits You Don't See#022 – Calum MacLeod – 10 Lessons from 10 Guests: What I’ve Learned From the Bits You Don’t SeeAfter 20 episodes, it was time to pause, reflect, and be honest.This solo episode is a deep dive into what I’ve learned from sitting down with some of the most successful people you’ll ever meet – and how their stories exposed gaps in my own.From the relentlessness of Calum White to the identity transformation mindset of Oliver Anwar and the raw honesty of Dariush Soudi, this episode is part reflection, part realignment.I share:The most consistent trait among high performers
2025-05-3018 min
The Bits You Don't See#021 – Michael Logue – How I Won Hyrox Pro Whilst Founding a Leading GymThe narrative of this podcast episode revolves around the profound assertion that individuals possess a greater capacity for traversing darker territories than they might initially comprehend. Our guest, Michael Loke, a distinguished athlete and owner of Athlete Gym, shares his remarkable journey from the Marines to becoming a prominent figure in the Hyrox competitive landscape. His experiences elucidate the significance of resilience and the necessity of embracing the mundane rigors that underpin success in both fitness and life. The discussion delves into the challenges faced during his transition to Dubai, emphasizing the importance of networking and community in establishing...
2025-05-231h 12
The Bits You Don't See#020 - Dariush Soudi – From £100 Million Loss to Global Comeback: A Story of Grit and RebirthIn this exclusive interview, Dariush Soudi shares his full story — from losing £100 million to rebuilding his life in Dubai with just $750. This Dariush Soudi podcast episode is raw, emotional, and filled with lessons about resilience, business, and personal transformation.If you’ve ever searched “Who is Dariush Soudi?” or wanted to understand the mindset behind his comeback, this is the story you need to hear.What happens when you lose everything — your fortune, your health, your identity — and have to start again with nothing but grit?In this brutally honest episode, entrepreneur and speaker Dariush...
2025-05-161h 27
The Bits You Don't See#019 – Nezha Alaoui – Designing a Life of Impact: From the UN to Empowering MillionsWhat does it really mean to live a life of purpose – not just profit? In this powerful conversation, social impact innovator, UN advisor, entrepreneur, author, and influencer Nezha Alaoui sits down with us to share her remarkable journey from growing up in Morocco to building a global movement for women’s empowerment.We talk about:What true leadership looks likeWhy helping others can be the most selfish thing you doThe real barriers women face in business (and how to break them...
2025-05-091h 03
The Bits You Don't See#018 - Charlie Johnson - The Harsh Truth About Growing Online Businesses🚨 Charlie Johnson: The #1 Online Fitness Coach & Business Mentor 🚨Welcome to Episode 018 of The Bits You Don’t See Podcast. This week, I sit down with Charlie Johnson — a former estate agent turned global entrepreneur who built a $70M online business, helped over 18,000 clients, and now mentors fitness coaches and online businesses to scale through smart funnels, engineered content, and unstoppable mindset.💡 In this episode, we talk about:Going from zero to $70M from a garden shedWhy content engineering beats random postingHow to build omni...
2025-05-0258 minThe Bits You Don't See#017 – Michael Sole — Building the UAE’s Top Gym, One Setback at a TimeMichael Sole, the proprietor of the Den gym, elucidates the intricate balance between catering to the desires and needs of fitness enthusiasts while fostering a vibrant community in Dubai's competitive fitness landscape. Our discussion delves into the genesis of the Den, a facility that aspires to become the preeminent functional fitness gym in the UAE, emphasizing the importance of providing both engagement and effective training methodologies. Sole reflects on his journey, highlighting the significance of resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges inherent to entrepreneurship, particularly within the fitness sector. As we navigate through the nuances of operational...
2025-04-241h 20The Bits You Don't See#016 – Clarita de Quiroz – More Than a Number One: What You Didn’t SeeThe salient point of this episode revolves around the multifaceted career of Clarita de Quiroz, a singer, model, and hotel owner, who candidly shares her journey through the complexities of the entertainment industry. Clarita reveals that her path has been marked not only by notable successes, such as achieving multiple number one albums, but also by profound personal challenges, including a ten-year hiatus due to anxiety and self-doubt. Throughout the discourse, she emphasizes the often unseen struggles that accompany public acclaim, highlighting the significance of resilience, hard work, and the importance of mental health in sustaining a creative career...
2025-04-181h 17The Bits You Don't See#015 – Eamon Heggarty – £420K From 6 Glamping Units: The Mindset, Marketing & Mistakes Behind the UK's Coolest RetreatIn this episode of The Bits You Don’t See, we sit down with Eamon Heggarty, founder of Coorie Retreats and soon Fort Springs Spa Retreat – two of the most exciting glamping projects in the UK.After walking away from a corporate career as a quantity surveyor in Dubai, Eamon threw himself into glamping with zero hospitality background and built a premium retreat that now earns over £420,000/year from just 6 units.We cover everything from funding, planning permission, construction timelines, and revenue models, to wellness upsells, automating operations, and avoiding common mistakes for g...
2025-04-1041 minThe Bits You Don't See#014 - Sophia Delavari - From Binge Eating & Burnout to Rebuilding at Rock BottomThis podcast episode delves into the profound implications of communication, emphasizing the significance of clarity and precision in our interactions. We explore the myriad ways in which misunderstandings can arise, often stemming from vague or ambiguous expressions. The discussion further elucidates the importance of context in shaping the meaning of our words, highlighting that effective dialogue necessitates a mutual understanding among participants. Additionally, we reflect on the role of non-verbal cues in enriching our communicative exchanges. Through this examination, we aim to enhance our listeners' awareness of the intricacies of language and its impact on human connection....
2025-04-041h 41The Bits You Don't See#013 – Calum White – From £0 to 400 Staff: Building Dubai’s Top Real Estate FirmCalum White, the founder and CEO of White & Co, articulates his remarkable journey from Edinburgh to Dubai, where he has established one of the region's most rapidly expanding real estate firms. With over 400 employees and generating a staggering £5 million in monthly revenue, he exemplifies the essence of entrepreneurial resilience and vision. This episode delves into the transformative mindset required to thrive in the competitive Dubai real estate market, where Calum emphasizes the importance of providing opportunities to individuals regardless of their prior experience. Moreover, he shares invaluable leadership insights gleaned from scaling a burgeoning team and discusses the innovative i...
2025-03-271h 09The Bits You Don't See#012 - Victoria Nicol - From Redundancy to Global Translation BusinessFrom losing her job to building a global translation empire — this is the raw, unfiltered journey of Victoria Nicol.Victoria is the founder of My Language Connection, a specialist language services provider working with clients across 52 countries, including leaders in the medical and pharmaceutical sectors. In this episode, she opens up about the real entrepreneurial journey — from starting with nothing to scaling internationally, managing 1,800 subcontractors, and adapting to rapid AI disruption in her industry.We cover:🚀 How redundancy sparked the launch of her business🏆...
2025-03-2159 min