Evren Özka’s story is one of raw transformation. Before building Mallet London and Everybodies Nutrition, he was trapped in a cycle of addiction, unhealthy habits, and self-doubt. 

Hitting rock bottom forced him to rebuild everything from the ground up.Evren shares how running became his therapy, how nutrition reshaped his mindset, and how he turned pain into purpose. 

He opens up about the moment that changed his life, the discipline it takes to run across three countries, and the mindset behind creating brands that inspire healthier living.This is a story about resilience, redemption, and what it really takes to start over.#thisisdubai #dubai #dubailife

Ahmed Haffar is one of the most recognizable voices in the Middle East. Known as The Voice of Dubai, he has lent his sound to government campaigns, global brands, airlines, and iconic events across the region. But behind the polished voice and professional success lies a story most people have never heard.At 17, Ahmed was in a horrific car accident in Lebanon that killed his two best friends and left him clinically dead for 46 seconds. What happened after changed everything. In this powerful conversation, Ahmed opens up about the night of the crash, rebuilding his life from scratch, and how that experience shaped his path to becoming an award-winning voice artist, sonic branding specialist, stand-up comedian, and MC.He also talks about the business of sound in Dubai, how to position yourself in a city built on perception, and why learning to sell emotion has been the key to his success.

Lauren O’Connell shares her deeply personal journey with breast cancer, from the moment she discovered a lump at home to enduring chemotherapy, hair loss, and the life-changing lessons that followed. She reflects on the emotional and physical challenges she faced, the importance of early detection, and how she involved her family in every step of her recovery. Lauren opens up about the role of therapy, resilience, and finding strength in the unexpected, offering an honest and inspiring story of hope, self-discovery, and advocacy this Breast Cancer Awareness Month.#LaurenOConnell #BreastCancerAwareness #CancerSurvivor #thisisdubai #dubai #dubailife

Irish educator and boxing journalist Cormac O’Donnell joins the show to unpack the UAE’s growing obsession with combat sports and why it’s showing up everywhere from classrooms to fitness studios. From how schools are introducing boxing-inspired programmes to the cultural forces driving the region’s fight boom, Cormac offers sharp insights on discipline, community and what happens when education meets endurance. This one hits hard, literally.

Vishakha Abbi is a British-trained nurse in mental health and learning disabilities, as well as the Founder of Mind Path UAE, a consultancy helping organisations, schools, and individuals solve people challenges that training alone can’t fix. In this episode, she unpacks the real reasons teams fall apart, why emotional intelligence matters more than management training, and how even well-meaning HR systems can end up protecting the company over its people.Drawing on her clinical background and years spent working with leaders across the UAE, Vishakha explains how behaviour is communication, not chaos, and how understanding that difference can completely shift workplace culture. From navigating conflict to creating environments where people feel heard, she offers a refreshingly human take on what it really means to build healthy, resilient teams.

When Langtry “Lala” White found out she was pregnant with monochorionic twins just months after moving to Dubai, life took an unexpected turn. The pregnancy was complicated by Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome, a rare and high-risk condition that changed everything.What came next was a journey of isolation, resilience, and eventually purpose. The support she found during that time became the spark for everything she does today, from founding Small and Mighty Babies and Twins Plus Arabia to becoming one of Dubai’s most trusted doulas and birth educators.When Langtry “Lala” White found out she was pregnant with monochorionic twins just months after moving to Dubai, life took an unexpected turn. The pregnancy was complicated by Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome, a rare and high-risk condition that changed everything.What came next was a journey of isolation, resilience, and eventually purpose. The support she found during that time became the spark for everything she does today, from founding Small and Mighty Babies and Twins Plus Arabia to becoming one of Dubai’s most trusted doulas and birth educators.When Langtry “Lala” White lost her twins to a rare pregnancy complication, her world changed forever. Out of that heartbreak came her mission to help others navigate pregnancy, birth, and the quiet grief that too often goes unspoken. This episode explores the hidden side of parenthood, what it means to lose a baby, how couples grieve in completely different ways, and the complicated emotions around what’s called a “rainbow baby.” Lala shares how she turned pain into purpose, supporting hundreds of families through their pregnancies and early parenthood journeys here in Dubai. It’s a conversation about the broken side of maternity care, the guilt and pressure so many women feel, and how birth has become more of a medical procedure than a deeply human experience. Whether you’re a parent or not, it’s about love, loss, and the courage to rebuild.

Craig Cook, CEO of the Brain & Performance Centre in Dubai, joins me to talk about the future of brain health and performance. The centre is the largest hyperbaric oxygen therapy facility in the world, helping people with recovery from stroke, concussion, autism, cerebral palsy, and more.In this conversation, Craig shares how their programs are improving lives, supporting athletes, and unlocking new ways to approach longevity and healthy ageing. He also opens up about his personal journey as a parent and how his son’s story has shaped his mission.

What happens when the people telling the world’s stories carry invisible scars of their own?This week on With MJP, we sit down with Dr. Masa Al-Kurdi, psychologist, researcher, and one of the few founders of MENATA. From her first-hand work in refugee camps to the rise of trauma-focused therapy for reporters, Dr. Masa sheds light on the toll of frontline storytelling, why the industry still struggles with mental health, and what true support for media professionals should look like.

Frank Kane, a leading business journalist and media veteran in the Middle East, dives into the realities of Dubai’s media world. He talks about censorship red lines, how business reporting becomes political, and why influencers have taken over the spotlight. With decades of experience covering the region, Frank shares unfiltered insights on the good, the bad and the ugly of UAE media, and what it all means for the future.

What makes a city truly livable? Strategic urban planner and city design advisor Fatma Al Khayat breaks it down from future proofing against climate change to rethinking JLT as a walkable 15 minute city. Fatma explains how smarter design can change the way we live, move, and connect. She gets real about Dubai’s transport gaps, why heritage matters, and how to build cities that work for everyone, kids, grandparents, and every generation in between. If you’ve ever side eyed traffic on Sheikh Zayed Road or wondered how Dubai could feel more human, this one’s for you.

Natassia Dsouza isn’t just an Emotional Eating Coach (CBT), she’s living proof that transformation is possible. After losing 65 kilos and breaking free from binge eating, she rebuilt her confidence and her life. Now, she’s on a mission to help others heal their relationship with food, overcome body dysmorphia, and create lasting change with her “feel it, not feed it” philosophy.

Alana Wallace, Dubai radio host and survivor, shares her powerful story of surviving two abusive relationships, breaking free, and rebuilding her life. 

From the trauma of violence to the long road of therapy and healing, Alana opens up about the warning signs, the turning points, and how she found strength after years of fear.

This conversation is a raw and honest look at the reality of domestic abuse, the cycle that traps victims, and what it takes to break free.If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, please seek help. You’re not alone.

Radio presenter turned entrepreneur Lorna Bancroft joins to discuss why kids today are glued to their phones, how her venture Gen X DXB is giving tweens a screen-free social space, and why she believes mobile phones have no place in schools. From childhood memories without phones to helping the next generation rediscover imagination, Lorna shares insights every parent should hear.

Doug Morrione, storyteller, filmmaker, and director, shares his journey from New York’s music and editing scene to documenting life in Dubai. In this conversation, he reflects on the evolution of the UAE’s indie film community, the art of storytelling, and the challenges of creating in a place with unique cultural dynamics. Along the way, he discusses expat life, the UAE’s response to the pandemic, architecture and mega-projects, the intersection of sports and life lessons, and his experiences capturing stories across the world, from American cowboys to Emirati filmmakers.

On this episode we’re joined by Rob Salomon, the Dean of NYU Stern at NYU Abu Dhabi, to talk about education, ambition, and the bold bet Abu Dhabi is making on the future of business.From his personal journey as a globalization expert to why the UAE is attracting top talent from around the world, this episode unpacks what it really takes to build an institution that lasts and a career that matters.

“Suicide loss survivor. These are the people left behind.”

On this episode, we’re joined by Renu Varun, a Dubai-based suicide prevention facilitator who turned personal tragedy into purpose. She’s using her voice to open up conversations we often shy away from. About grief, mental health, and the will to keep going.

It’s bigger than just one story.

This week on With MJP, we’re joined by Dubai-based personal trainer Aaron Agnew for a raw, real conversation about the mental side of fitness. From overcoming self-doubt to finding clarity under pressure, Aaron breaks down why training is therapy for so many and why it’s okay if the first few weeks feel hard.

From clingy cats to anxious golden retrievers, pet behaviour isn’t always just “quirky.” 

Sometimes, it’s a cry for help.In this episode, we speak to Dr Katrin Jahn, a UAE-based, European and US Board-Certified Veterinary Behaviourist and Psychiatrist, about what our pets are really trying to communicate.

Before Mirzam became one of Dubai’s most beloved chocolate brands, Kathy Johnston was already obsessed with craft, flavour, and storytelling. Today, as Chief Chocolate Officer and CEO, she’s blending all three, one bar at a time.

We sit down with Chris Harrison, better known as @thehealthierlifecoach on Instagram for an honest conversation about men’s mental health.Chris is a transformation coach who’s taken his own lived experience and built a framework to help other men navigate life’s toughest chapters. We talk about what it really means to show up for yourself, the stigma still surrounding men’s emotions, and why structure and support can be life-changing.