The media world is undergoing its biggest transformation in history. With algorithms changing the rules daily and creators armed with just a camera rivaling global broadcasters, is traditional media losing its crown? Or can television still hold its authority in an era where anyone can go viral overnight?In this episode of In the Arena, Dave Crane sits down with Reim El Houni, a powerhouse in both old and new media and the driving force behind one of the region’s leading daily TV shows, DXB Today. Together they unpack the shifts happening in broadcasting, why credibility still matters, and how the playing field has been leveled for creators everywhere.Hosted by Dave Crane, Ex BBC broadcaster and award winning motivational speaker, who has trained thousands of leaders to master influence and communication in just 7 seconds.Reim reveals what it takes to thrive in today’s fast paced industry, from adapting to evolving formats to learning directly from the best producers and directors in the game. Whether you are a content creator, aspiring journalist, or seasoned broadcaster, this conversation is a roadmap to navigating media’s new landscape.What You Will Learn in This Episode• Why algorithms have changed the balance of power in media• How traditional broadcasting is adapting to survive the digital shift• The importance of credibility in a world flooded with content• Why learning from diverse environments and leaders is essential• How to future proof your skills in a rapidly evolving industryBecause in today’s world, it is not about choosing between TV and YouTube. It is about mastering both and knowing how to stand out no matter where the audience is watching.00:00:00 - Many creators lack business savvy.00:00:21 - Digital media is leveling the playing field.00:00:38 - Industry changes require quick adaptation.00:00:57 - TV still has more credibility than YouTube.00:02:09 - Reim's childhood obsession: TV and film.00:03:13 - He sent a cold email to the BBC; he landed an internship.00:04:18 - Broadcasting has a clear career path.00:04:36 - Dubai has become Reim's new home.00:05:41 - Freelance contracts are common in media.00:07:21 - Business savvy is crucial for creators.00:09:07 - Worked on Mission: Impossible in Dubai.00:10:33 - Transition from executive producer to logistics.00:12:24 - No regrets; I learned large-scale operations.00:14:20 - Media evolution demands faster learning.00:15:53 - Audiences care about content, not origin.00:17:57 - Social media was essential during the Arab Spring.00:19:25 - Younger Arabs embrace social media.00:23:22 - TV still has more credibility.00:33:23 - Podcasts and streaming are growing.00:51:25 - Consistency is key for new creators.Follow Dariush:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dariushsoudiofficial/?hl=enWebsite: https://dariushsoudi.comFollow Dave: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedavecrane/?hl=en Linkedin: https://ae.linkedin.com/in/davecranedubaiFollow Reim El Houni:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reimelhouni/Linkedin: https://ae.linkedin.com/in/reimelhouniWebsite: https://www.reimelhouni.com/
What does it take to build a media empire in a region that historically never had one? Richard Fitzgerald did not just ask the question, he jumped on a plane to Dubai and spent the next three years living out of airports to find the answer.From launching Love in Dubai in 2015 to reaching a quarter of a million readers in the first month, Richard’s story is one of relentless hustle, trial by fire, and learning how to create demand where none existed. The early days were not easy. Selling ads was a battle. But persistence, the right incentives, and an unshakable belief in publishing the right stories for the right audience turned his vision into a brand millions recognize today.In this episode of In the Arena, Richard sits down with Dariush Soudi to share the highs, lows, and lessons of building a media company in the Middle East. They explore how hard work compounds over time, why systems matter more than luck, and whether Richard would ever sell the company he has built from scratch.What You’ll Learn in This Episode• How Love in Dubai became one of the region’s fastest growing media brands• Why building demand is about consistency and trust, not shortcuts• The hidden challenges of selling in a market that was not ready for you• How systems, incentives, and accountability drive long term success• Richard’s honest take on whether he would ever exit the businessHard work always pays but only if you are willing to keep showing up when no one else believes it will.00:00:00 – Introduction00:01:03 – Early Career & Move to Dubai00:02:21 – The Ambition to Build00:04:08 – From London to Dubai: Seeking Opportunity00:06:00 – The Hustle of Agency Life & Sales00:08:49 – The Genesis of "Lovin Dubai"00:10:06 – The Struggle & Bootstrapping00:14:25 – Pivoting from Agency to Media00:18:26 – Understanding the Media Landscape00:20:15 – Personal Journey: Conversion to Islam00:23:39 – Building a Media Empire00:32:02 – Platform Strategy & Dominance00:35:52 – Inbound Demand Creation00:37:09 – The "Leakage" Problem00:46:12 – Investing in Studios & Original Content00:48:33 – Funding & Future GoalsFollow Dariush:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dariushsoudiofficial/?hl=enWebsite: https://dariushsoudi.comFollow Richard:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fitzyrichard/ Linkedin: https://ae.linkedin.com/in/fitzyrichardX: https://x.com/fitzyrichard?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
Men are facing one of the biggest challenges of our time. The pressure to always appear strong and in control is silently damaging their mental health. Can strength and vulnerability exist together without conflict? And what happens when men are finally allowed to show both sides of themselves?In this episode of In the Arena, thought leader Rahaf Kobeissi joins Dave Crane to break down the stigma around men and mental health. They explore how society’s expectations shape identity, why AI will never replace human compassion, and what practical steps men can take to protect their wellbeing.Hosted by Dave Crane, Ex BBC broadcaster and award winning motivational speaker, who has trained thousands of leaders to master influence and communication in just 7 seconds.Together, Rahaf and Dave explore what men need most today connection, honesty, and a safe space to let their guard down without fear of judgment. Because real strength is not about silence, it is about knowing when to speak up.What You’ll Learn in This Episode* Why men are silently struggling with mental health* How strength and vulnerability can coexist without conflict* Why AI cannot replace human compassion and empathy* The cost of hiding emotions and suppressing feelings* Practical steps men can take to open up and build resilienceMen do not fail because they are weak. They fail when they believe they have to face it all alone.
What does it really take to survive two financial crises, and still come out ahead?In this episode of In the Arena, entrepreneur and investor Richard Pajer shares the hard-earned lessons from nearly two decades navigating Dubai’s ever-shifting economy. From the crash of 2008 to the volatile market dynamics of today, Richard reveals how strategy, timing, and liquidity have been his sharpest tools. He also pulls back the curtain on market manipulation, how media moves the needle, and why it’s harder than ever to trade on fundamentals alone.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:• How Richard bought and sold during two Dubai crashes• Why “cash is king” in a crisis, and how to use it strategically• How to spot signs of stock manipulation in the news• Is it still possible to build wealth in today’s market?• Why the next global crisis might be closer than we thinkNot every opportunity is obvious, but the best ones rarely are.
We all live in a reality, but is it truly our reality? What if you could create something entirely different?In this episode of In the Arena, Adeyemi Adeyosoye shares his journey into spirituality from an unusually young age and why he believes in the everyday magic of the universe. From dreams that became reality to the signs science send us, Adeyemi blends the mystical with the practical, showing how miracles can happen when we choose to look deeper.He challenges the comfort zones we build for ourselves, the fear of asking “Who am I?” and “Why am I here?” and explains why the cost of avoiding these questions is far greater than the discomfort of facing them. For Adeyemi, power lies in action, in opening yourself to light even when decisions hurt, and in embracing vulnerability as part of the process.What You’ll Learn in This Episode• Why your current reality may not be the only reality available to you• How science and spirituality can work together to reveal life’s magic• Why many people avoid deep self reflection and how to move past it• The real cost of not asking life’s biggest questions• How to make decisions without hardening yourself in the processYour reality is yours to shape, but only if you are willing to see it, feel it, and act on it.
What if the key to solving the global health crisis isn’t more medicine, but more control?In this episode of In the Arena, tech innovator Mehdi Bouchenak unveils a silent epidemic: 1.8 billion people suffering from multiple chronic conditions, and no real access to their own medical data. The system is broken, and it’s costing lives.This isn’t just a healthcare conversation. It’s a blueprint for health sovereignty. From outdated hospital systems to privacy loopholes and the shocking reality of data ownership, Mehdi explains how Vitalls is putting power back where it belongs: in the patient’s hands.With one app, one click, and full transparency, you can now decide who sees your vitals, when, and for how long.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:• Why chronic illness is exploding - and preventable• The hidden reason you don’t own your own medical data• How Vitalls is flipping the system from top-down to patient-first• The tech behind real-time, shareable health passports• Why the future of wellness depends on data ownership• What it takes to become a proactive patient in a reactive worldThis is more than innovation, it’s a movement to decentralize healthcare.
Weddings are emotional, magical, and a massive business. But in a world of dating apps, instant swipes, and unrealistic expectations, is lasting love getting harder to find and even harder to keep?In this episode of In the Arena, wedding industry insider Rhiannon Downie shares what she has learned from years of working with couples at their most emotional and most stressed. From the shift toward instant “fireworks” to why slow burn relationships often stand the test of time, she reveals how modern dating culture is reshaping marriage itself.She also takes us behind the scenes of the billion dollar wedding industry, unpacks the pressures couples face today, and offers her take on the real secret to a marriage that lasts.What You’ll Learn in This Episode• Why the wedding industry is bigger and more complex than ever• The hidden pressures of dating in the swipe era• Why instant chemistry can be overrated• The most important factor in long term relationship success• How modern couples can future proof their marriageLove is timeless but how we find and keep it is changing fast.
What if the most advanced factory on earth wasn’t powered by silicon, but by the jungle?In this episode of In the Arena, entrepreneur Gareth Lloyd takes us inside the most automated Brazil nut facility in the world, processing over 1.5 million nuts per month, all sourced from virgin Amazon rainforests.But here’s the catch: Brazil nuts can’t be farmed. They can only grow in untouched rainforest ecosystems, meaning every Brazil nut you’ve ever eaten is wild-harvested.Gareth shares how his team built an industry-first model that balances automation, ethical sourcing, and environmental stewardship, while capturing up to 30% of the global market share, and achieving the lowest production cost with the highest quality output.This isn’t just about nuts. It’s about supply chain disruption, jungle economics, and what happens when innovation meets nature - without trying to control it.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:• How one factory changed global pricing and market share• Why Brazil nuts are nature’s wild product, and why that matters• The invisible logistics of sourcing in the Amazon• How to compete globally without compromising sustainability• What this model teaches us about innovation without exploitationSometimes the world’s most advanced systems are the ones nature designed - we just had to learn how to work with them.Podcast Breakdown:00:00:41 - World's most automated Brazil nut factory00:02:21 - Early DJ career and rave culture00:05:15 - Building first business 00:08:15 - Launching £200M recruitment company00:12:44 - Pivot to Peruvian agriculture00:15:50 - Brazil nut discovery and challenges00:18:39 - Cartel threats in the Amazon00:21:44 - Richard Branson mentorship00:25:30 - Factory automation breakthroughs00:28:08 - Global distribution strategy00:32:15 - Workforce and social impact in Peru00:36:40 - Near-failure moments and resilience00:40:22 - Family life vs. entrepreneurship00:44:10 - Future expansion to Brazil00:47:35 - Charity projects in rainforest communities00:50:00 - Market domination goals (30% global share)00:52:18 - Data on Brazil nut industry size00:54:30 - Personal leadership philosophy00:56:05 - Advice for young entrepreneurs
What drives someone to master the markets? For Professor Silvia Vianello, it wasn’t greed - it was survival.In this episode of In the Arena, Prof. Silvia Vianello joins Dave Crane and Dariush Soudi to share how a dream to lift her family out of poverty sparked a journey into one of the world’s most complex and high-stakes industries: finance.But this isn’t a get-rich-quick story. It’s a wake-up call. They dive deep into what most “gurus” won’t tell you - the dangers of chasing fast gains, the psychology behind financial success, and how governments and institutions play on public fear to protect the elite.Silvia’s approach is rooted in discipline, data, and education. Her mission? To teach people how to build real, sustainable wealth, not illusions. If you think making 20% a month sounds like success, she’ll tell you why that mindset could be your downfall.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:• Why Silvia chose finance over any other path• The biggest mistake beginners make when entering the market• How financial institutions manipulate retail investors• Why “fast money” usually ends in failure• The mindset shift required to build real wealth• The truth about financial freedom, risk, and personal responsibilityIf you're beginning your financial journey, do it with awareness, and a plan.
At 8,000 meters, the air is thin, and so is your margin for doubt.In this episode of In the Arena, Mostafa Salameh shares the truth behind one of the most extreme journeys a human can take. But this isn’t just a story about summiting Everest. It’s about purpose, identity, and what it takes to face yourself when there’s nowhere left to hide.Mostafa wasn’t born into adventure. He had to fight for his vision - often alone, often dismissed. What drove him wasn’t glory, but a deep sense of calling. A belief that climbing the world’s highest peak meant nothing if he didn’t first conquer what was within.This is a conversation about discipline, clarity, and risk. About spiritual endurance and the real price of ambition.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:• Why Everest was never the destination• What changes when you push past 6,000 meters• How to find direction when no one believes in your vision• The mindset required for extreme physical and spiritual challenge• Why comfort is more dangerous than fearFor anyone facing a personal Everest, this episode will change how you see it.
Most people run from being broke. Stallone Shaikh chose it on purpose.In this episode of In the Arena, Stallone flips the script on everything you thought you knew about money, success, and drive. He reveals why chasing comfort is killing your ambition, and how reprogramming your mindset, not your bank account, is the key to real freedom.At 26, Stallone made a decision: he wanted more. But to rise, he had to burn the old version of himself. What followed was a transformation built on clarity, confidence, and a radical shift in how he saw wealth.And if you’re in sales? Pay attention, because Stallone drops his secrets. It’s not about pitching. It’s about seeing what your client isn’t saying, and giving them exactly that.What You’ll Discover in This Episode:* Why fearing money guarantees you’ll never have it* How staying broke helped Stallone build unshakable drive* The shift at 27 that changed everything* The truth about sales: it’s not about selling* 3 unfiltered lessons you’ll wish you heard sooner
In a world where information is power, what happens when all your secrets are for sale?In this episode of Gladiator TV, Dave Crane and Jigar Sagar dive deep into the uncomfortable truth about AI, data privacy, and the illusion of control in our hyper-connected age. From casual chats with ChatGPT to every click, swipe, and search, your digital footprint is a currency. And someone, somewhere, is cashing in.But this isn’t just a conversation about fear. It’s a wake-up call to awareness. Who really owns your data? What’s the true price of convenience? And are we giving away more than we realise - just for a few seconds of ease?This episode is bold, unfiltered, and guaranteed to make you think. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:• Why AI isn’t just listening, it’s remembering• How your daily habits are being tracked, sold, and weaponised• The danger of digital complacency in a surveillance-driven world• Why data is more valuable than gold, and who’s getting rich from yours• How to take back control in a system designed to keep you numbThe internet remembers everything. But do you remember what freedom felt like?Welcome to Gladiator TV. It’s time to challenge the system.
What if the place you're born didn’t limit where you could go, or who you could become?In this powerful episode, Armand Arton shares a bold idea: the end of borders as we know them. From his personal mission to remove the barriers of outdated visa systems to the bigger question of how we define freedom in a hyper-connected world, Arton challenges us to rethink everything. You no longer need to be a billionaire to live globally. But why does crossing a border still feel like a privilege instead of a right?This isn’t a conversation about politics. It’s about possibility. It's about a future where opportunity isn’t dictated by geography, and where technology partners with governments to serve people, not just paperwork.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:• Why the current visa system is broken, and who it’s failing most• How technology could make migration more human and more scalable• Why global mobility should be a right, not a reward• The hidden connection between art, capitalism, and the freedom to move• A vision for a future where 100 million people can cross borders effortlesslyWhere will you go in the next five years?This episode might just change how you answer that.
We live in an age of instant connection, endless information, and unimaginable wealth - so why do so many of us feel more disconnected than ever?In this episode, Dave Crane explores the silent crisis behind modern life: a world that’s become more advanced, but less human. From rising suicide rates among men to the illusion of progress fed by social media and AI, Dave invites us to ask the questions we’ve been avoiding. What if happiness isn’t about gaining more - but seeing more clearly? And what if AI isn’t the enemy, but a mirror reflecting the void within?This isn’t just a conversation about what’s broken. It’s a call to reclaim your story in a world that profits from your silence.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:• Why increased connection hasn’t brought us closer• The hidden cost of ignoring emotional and mental health• How AI is hijacking education, and why that might not be a bad thing• The importance of questioning everything we’re told• Why purpose, not comfort, is the foundation of a fulfilled lifeWe can’t afford to stay numb. The world feels broken because the narrative is broken. Let’s rewrite it together.
What if the only thing standing between you and the life you want is the way you see yourself? Nick Santonastasso was born with no legs and one arm—but he refuses to be defined by limitations.In this episode, Nick gets real about self-worth, urgency, and the silent battles we all face. Nothing external can ever fill a spiritual void. What changed his life wasn’t achieving more—it was rewriting the story he told himself. Nick makes it look easy, but every day he wakes up and fights. He thinks about death—not with fear, but with purpose. That urgency is what fuels him to truly live.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:• Why self-worth shapes what we attract• How chasing external love leads to emptiness• The inner shift that transformed Nick’s life• Finding purpose through pain• Why urgency—not comfort—is the key to fulfillmentWhat you see in the mirror is not the full story. Rewrite it.🔽 Full Podcast Breakdown:00:02:50 Self-Worth & Inner Reflection00:03:36 Daily Battles & Motivation00:05:05 Childhood & Personal Development00:09:39 Lessons from Tony Robbins00:12:35 Public Speaking & Authenticity00:15:29 Mentorship with Tony Robbins00:19:49 Brotherhood & Business Partnership00:41:33 Loss of His Brother & Addiction Advocacy00:46:18 Facing Fear & Living Boldly00:50:15 Relationships & Spiritual Partnerships00:53:32 Legacy & Business Ventures00:55:21 Dubai’s Future & Gratitude00:58:19 Closing & Mutual Appreciation
What does it take to be number one in a world that never stops? For Kris Fade, it starts at 4:30 AM—every single day.From battling anxiety to building the #1 radio station in the country, Kris opens up about the unseen grind behind success, the pressure of staying on top in a hyper-competitive industry, and why positivity is his ultimate mission. Whether he’s hosting a show, launching a brand, or putting a smile on someone’s face during their toughest moments—he’s doing it with purpose.This is a raw, real, and powerful conversation about passion, persistence, and pushing through—when nobody’s watching.What You’ll Learn This Episode:• Why keeping busy is Kris’s secret to managing anxiety• The brutal hustle behind building an elite radio career• How structure, purpose, and consistency became his foundation• The importance of showing up for others—even when you’re exhausted• What really drives someone to be the best in every roomSuccess isn’t luck—it’s a mindset, a habit, and a choice.
What if everything you thought was impossible was just a mental limitation? What if the key to ultimate strength, resilience, and healing was already inside you—waiting to be unlocked?Wim Hof, known as The Iceman, has defied science with multiple World Records, surviving extreme cold and pushing the boundaries of human endurance. But his method goes beyond breaking records—it’s about breaking limitations. Wim believes trauma runs deeper than we realize, beyond the mind and body’s conditioning. His method taps into the core of human potential, helping people heal, conquer fear, and access untapped power.What You’ll Learn This Episode:* Why the human body is capable of far more than we believe* The method that allows you to control stress, fear, and even trauma* How Wim Hof survived extreme cold and proved science wrong* Why most people don’t know how to process trauma—and how to change that* How to unlock strength, resilience, and clarity through breath and exposureEverything you thought was a limit is just an illusion!
What if every obstacle in your life was actually a sign that you were about to level up? What if the struggles you face weren’t holding you back—but were the very key to unlocking your true potential?Nick Santonastasso, a world-renowned speaker, author, and resilience coach, was born with a rare condition that left him with one arm and no legs. He faced rejection, bullying, and deep despair, but instead of giving in, he made a choice—rewrite his story, embrace challenges, and prove that true strength comes from within. Now, he helps people around the world break through limitations and unlock their full potential.What You’ll Learn This Episode: • How to shift your mindset when problems arise • Why most people attach the wrong meaning to struggles • The secret to falling in love with your own journey • Why asking for help is the greatest act of strength • The real reason a man without legs jumps out of bed faster than most peopleBy the end of this conversation, you’ll never see your challenges the same way again!
Success isn’t just about income, it’s about impact. In the latest episode of In the Arena, Donna Benton shares how focusing on value, not just revenue, leads to true growth.As the founder of The Entertainer, Donna built a business that does more than drive profits; it makes life’s experiences more accessible for everyone. Starting from scratch, with no financial backing, Donna transformed the way people enjoy experiences—making the unaffordable affordable. But beyond the business, her journey is a lesson in humility. In this episode, we cover:• The mindset and ambition that fueled Donna’s success• Overcoming early struggles and dealing with negativity• The key traits needed to build a thriving business• Workaholism, mental health, and defining happiness• The moment she almost quit—and what kept her goingMoney comes with a price. The real challenge? Stay grounded as you rise.Gladiators, I salute you.
What happens when artificial intelligence challenges the very essence of life itself? Are we truly in control, or is AI redefining human existence?In this thought-provoking conversation, we sit down with Mo Gawdat, former Chief Business Officer at Google X, best-selling author, and AI expert, to explore the future of AI, success, happiness, and the true nature of life and death.Mo takes us through his journey—from leading at Google X to experiencing unimaginable loss, which led him to create One Billion Happy, a movement to spread happiness worldwide. He unpacks deep truths about AI, human evolution, and how we can take charge of our own joy in an era of rapid change.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:- The Modes of Success—how to truly thrive- Can happiness be engineered?- The Google X Toothbrush Test—what defines a world-changing idea?- AI’s growing role in our daily lives & what it means for our future- How to cope with loss, fate, and personal transformation. Watch NOW—your perspective on life may never be the same.