With a mind for strategy and a palate shaped by curiosity, Gwendal Poullennec has quietly redefined the future of fine dining. From launching Michelin's first-ever Tokyo guide to steering its digital transformation, he’s helped bring the iconic red book to 45 destinations around the world. Known for his motto “On the move”, he embodies the spirit of discovery — biking thousands of kilometers a year and finishing dishes not out of hunger, but wonder. He leads with discipline, but eats with joy....
Jul 03, 2025•28 min•Season 7Ep. 7
She’s not just a home cook — she’s a cultural bridge, an artist, and a mother of three who’s turning simple dishes into soulful stories. Growing up as the daughter of a Saudi ambassador, Eman Gazzaz once dreamed of becoming an ambassador herself — and in many ways, she did. But instead of politics, she chose food as her language, and the kitchen as her embassy. From a childhood spent across continents to a YouTube kitchen that feels like home, Eman has taken it upon herself to show the world wha...
Jun 26, 2025•36 min•Ep. 62
Reem Al Bliwi is one of Saudi Arabia’s youngest and most recognizable TV presenters today. Bursting onto the scene through “Studio SBC”, she quickly earned her spot in the national spotlight with her poise and presence. With a background in modeling and a mixed cultural identity shaped by her Mexican mother and Saudi father, Reem brings a unique blend of confidence, curiosity, and cross-cultural understanding to her work.
Jun 19, 2025•27 min•Season 7Ep. 5
Hussein Fakhri is the Chief Commercial Officer and Executive Producer at Katara Studios, the Doha-based production powerhouse behind regionally iconic projects like The Lost Chapter of Kelileh & Demneh and the ceremonies for the FIFA Arab Cup. But before that, Hussein started out in Dublin, pioneering digital advertising in a market far from his cultural roots. Today, he’s leading Katara’s mission to produce bold, meaningful, and globally resonant stories — all from an unapologetically Arab ...
Jun 12, 2025•26 min•Season 7Ep. 4
DJ Viva is a trailblazing performer and cultural catalyst redefining the creative scene in Saudi Arabia and beyond. She has lit up major stages across the Kingdom and internationally, opening for global icons such as David Guetta. With Saudi and Canadian roots, her genre-fluid sets blend global energy and leave lasting impact. As one of the few women leading the region’s artistic evolution, DJ Viva is more than a performer—she’s a visionary shaping the future of culture in the Middle East. Tune ...
Jun 05, 2025•30 min•Season 7Ep. 3
Bill Connor is a seasoned media trainer and former White House correspondent with over 20 years of experience coaching senior executives, public officials, and leaders on how to communicate effectively in high-stakes environments. As the founder and CEO of Three Media Consultancy, he’s trained individuals across the globe—from the U.S. to the Middle East—helping them master the art of presentations, speeches, and media interviews. Tune in The Mayman Show for more on this special season.
May 29, 2025•36 min•Season 7Ep. 2
Arab News 50th anniversary podcast: Recounting the moments that changed the Middle East. Powered by Google's NotebookLM AI tool. Episode V: 2016–2025 King Salman reigns, Vision 2030 unveiled, Abraham Accords signed, Saudi-Iran ties restored Read more here: https://www.arabnews.com/arabnews50
May 28, 2025•10 min•Season 1Ep. 5
Arab News 50th anniversary podcast: Recounting the moments that changed the Middle East. Powered by Google's NotebookLM AI tool. Episode IV: 2005–2015 Rafik Hariri assassinated, Arab Spring uprisings erupt, Saudi women win driving rights Read more here: https://www.arabnews.com/arabnews50
May 28, 2025•12 min•Season 1Ep. 4
Arab News 50th anniversary podcast: Recounting the moments that changed the Middle East. Powered by Google's NotebookLM AI tool. Episode III: 1995–2004 Taliban take Kabul, Khobar Towers bombed, Second Intifada erupts, 9/11 hits, US occupies Iraq Read more here: https://www.arabnews.com/arabnews50
May 28, 2025•13 min•Season 1Ep. 3
Arab News 50th anniversary podcast: Recounting the moments that changed the Middle East. Powered by Google's NotebookLM AI tool. Episode II: 1985-1994 Saudi prince in space, First Intifada starts, Lebanon war ends, Kuwait invaded, Oslo Accords signed Read more here: https://www.arabnews.com/arabnews50
May 28, 2025•18 min•Season 1Ep. 2
Arab News 50th anniversary podcast: Recounting the moments that changed the Middle East. Powered by Google's NotebookLM AI tool. Episode I: 1975–1984 Lebanon civil war begins, Iranian revolution erupts, GCC formed, Sabra and Shatila massacre. Read more here: https://www.arabnews.com/arabnews50
May 28, 2025•10 min•Season 1Ep. 1
John Bin London, a British influencer and content creator with a deep passion for Saudi Arabia and its rich cultural heritage. Raised in the UAE, John’s love for the Arab world shines through his viral TikTok videos where he immerses himself in Saudi traditions, from coffee rituals to exploring historic landmarks like Diriyah. Tune in The Mayman Show for more on this special season.
May 22, 2025•35 min•Season 7Ep. 1
As Gaza plunges deeper into catastrophe, Israel’s blockade has stopped aid for over a month, 60,000 children face malnutrition, hospitals lie in ruins, and the United Nations has called it a “killing field.” On this episode, we’re joined by Palestinian Authority State Minister for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Dr. Varsen Aghabekian. We ask why the peace talks collapsed. Will Israel be held accountable for strikes on hospitals and the deaths of aid workers? And is the Palestinian Authority trul...
Apr 20, 2025•27 min•Season 12Ep. 10
Several months after the fall of Bashar Al-Assad, Syria remains battered by more than a decade of war and is now facing the uphill task of rebuilding from within and claiming legitimacy on the global stage. On this episode of Frankly Speaking we hear from London-based Syrian analyst Ghassan Ibrahim. Is the worst truly behind Syria, or could renewed sectarian violence and growing tensions with Israel and Turkey cause further chaos? Will the new government win over Arab and Western leaders and fin...
Apr 13, 2025•43 min•Season 12Ep. 9
On this episode, we speak with Lebanese economist and political analyst Nadim Shehadi. Can the new president deliver on his promises of reform and economic revival? Or will the persistent influence of Hezbollah, permanently hinder his chances of success? Plus, we examine America's evolving role in the country and explore whether normalization with Israel could be on the cards.
Apr 06, 2025•27 min•Season 12Ep. 8
As tensions simmer over, the Ukraine-Russia conflict, Riyadh has become a pivotal stage this week, with separate high-stakes meetings by Ukraine and Russia underscoring its growing importance in global diplomacy. Today, we speak with one of Russia's top diplomats, the first deputy permanent representative to the UN, Dmitry Polanski. Can a Black Sea ceasefire tied to sanctions relief truly de-escalate the conflict, even as both sides ramp up attacks on the ground? Are either parties willing to ma...
Mar 30, 2025•35 min•Season 12Ep. 7
Two months after returning to the White House, President Trump has shocked the world with a series of major announcements, from aggressive DOGE initiatives to high tariffs, plans to relocate thousands of Palestinians from Gaza, and secret talks with Hamas. Today we hear from Norman T. Roule, the former senior US intelligence official and Middle East expert, to ask what President Trump’s actions mean for US foreign policy, how they will impact the changes underway in the Middle East, can Washingt...
Mar 23, 2025•36 min•Season 12Ep. 6
On this episode we speak with Faisal Sultan, the Vice President and Managing Director of Lucid Middle East. We talk to him about EV adoption in the Kingdom, Lucid’s new challenges following its CEO’s sudden exit, all as rival Tesla reportedly prepares to launch operations in Saudi Arabia. And as Lucid ramps up production in the Kingdom, will Saudi be the decisive force that propels Lucid back to profitability?
Mar 16, 2025•29 min•Season 12Ep. 5
The Arab League has unveiled an ambitious plan to rebuild Gaza following an extraordinary summit last week. On this episode of Frankly Speaking we hear from renowned Saudi columnist and political analyst Abdulrahman Al Rashed to ask if the Cairo plan can ever materialize in reality. Can the secret talks between Hamas and the White House be successful? Plus, his views on the reforms happen in Saudi Arabia and its transition to becoming a global power broker.
Mar 09, 2025•31 min•Season 12Ep. 4
Just days before the extraordinary and highly anticipated Arab League Summit, we sit down with His Royal Highness Prince Turki bin Faisal, former Saudi Ambassador and Intelligence Chief, to explore how Saudi Arabia views Trump’s controversial Gaza plan, what saudi and regional leaders are discussing behind closed doors and whether the international community is truly committed to achieving peace in Palestine.
Mar 02, 2025•26 min•Season 12Ep. 3
Saudi Arabia has taken centre stage in global diplomacy this week, brokering high-level talks between Russia and the US - an unprecedented move that has left the world watching closely. Today we speak with Dr Abdulaziz Sager, the Chairman of the Gulf Research Centre, to examine the significance of these pivotal talks, Saudi Arabia’s growing influence on the global stage and whether the Arab League’s next move could change the future of Gaza forever.
Feb 23, 2025•24 min•Season 12Ep. 2
On this episode of Frankly Speaking we hear from Riyad Mansour, Palestine’s Permanent Observer to the UN, to discuss whether Palestinian statehood is slipping further away, how the leadership is responding to mounting pressure from key Arab states and whether Palestinians themselves still see a future in Gaza.
Feb 15, 2025•36 min•Season 12Ep. 1
It’s been just over two weeks since the American electorate made their voices heard, with Donald Trump securing a commanding victory in the presidential race. On this episode of Frankly Speaking we hear from former Senior CIA Operations Officer and Middle East expert Norman Roule to break down what this means for the future of US foreign policy. Can President-Elect Trump deliver on his promises to swiftly end the wars in Ukraine and Gaza? What will his victory mean for the crisis in Gaza and the...
Nov 24, 2024•34 min•Season 11Ep. 10
On this episode of Frankly Speaking, we hear from Dr Varsen Shahin, Palestine’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates. With a new US administration and Saudi Arabia leading a global coalition in support of a two-state solution, could this mark a new turning point for peace and stability in the Middle East? How does the Palestinian leadership view these developments and what is their impact on the ground? Plus, if the conflict does come to an end, who will govern Gaza and what wil...
Nov 17, 2024•23 min•Season 11Ep. 9
On this episode we hear from veteran US Ambassador and Senior Fellow at the Middle East Institute in Washington DC, Robert Ford. As a former Ambassador to Syria, Iraq, Algeria and more, he has detailed insights into some of the world's most complex conflicts and foreign policy challenges. What is the impact of Donald Trump returning to the White House. Is the President-Elect’s plans to swiftly end the wars in Gaza and Ukraine truly achievable or simply campaign rhetoric? Plus, what does America’...
Nov 10, 2024•23 min•Season 11Ep. 8
On this episode of Frankly Speaking, we’re joined by renowned Saudi political commentator Ali Shihabi. With the US elections just days away, we ask - does Saudi Arabia have a preferred candidate in this divisive race? And could the historic Saudi-US security pact still redefine regional dynamics? Plus, how are Saudi Arabia’s megaprojects reshaping its global influence, and are the skeptics finally coming around?
Nov 03, 2024•29 min•Season 6Ep. 7
The Wicket is a podcast by Arab News that covers the latest cricket news and results from across the Middle East, Asia and the world. On Episode 61 of The Wicket, Arab News columnist Jon Pike and reporter Subas Humagain join host Brian Murgatroyd to discuss the three dramatic Tests that took place within the past week, in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, as well as women’s cricket in Zimbabwe and India, a white-ball series between Sri Lanka and West Indies’ men and the sacking of USA men's Head C...
Oct 30, 2024•39 min•Season 1Ep. 61
On this episode of Frankly Speaking we hear from Richard Attias, the CEO of FII, often dubbed the ‘Davos in the Desert.’ It’s the annual event where the world’s most powerful leaders, businesspeople and entrepreneurs come together to shape the future. We ask him what it takes to craft events that define the global agenda, who the headline figures are for this year’s gathering, and how FII is showcasing that Saudi Arabia not only deserves a seat at the global table but is actively reshaping the c...
Oct 27, 2024•36 min•Season 11Ep. 6
The Wicket is a podcast by Arab News that covers the latest cricket news and results from across the Middle East, Asia and the world. On Episode 60 of The Wicket, host Brian Murgatroyd is joined by Arab News columnist Jon Pike and reporter Subas Humagain to discuss the conclusion of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, dramatic Test matches in Multan and Bengaluru, the ongoing white-ball series between Sri Lanka and the West Indies’ men’s sides, the Asian cricket Council’s Emerging T20 Asia Cup in Oma...
Oct 23, 2024•42 min•Season 1Ep. 60
On this episode of Frankly Speaking, we hear from Firas Maksad from the Middle East Institute. With the US election just days away, we ask if the Arab-American vote can truly impact the race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump for the White House. Plus, as the crisis deepens in the Middle East, what’s next for Lebanon? With most of Hezbollah’s leaders gone, is this the end or could they return more dangerous than ever? And will the international community allow another Israeli occupation of L...
Oct 20, 2024•28 min•Season 11Ep. 5
