Best Contemporary Composition Podcasts (2025)

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Frøydis Ree Wekre: Horn Virtuoso, Legendary Teacher, and Trailblazer in the Oslo Philharmonic Reflections - On performance, pedagogy, international competitions, and a life dedicated to music 55:25

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10h ago55:25

55:25

Norwegian hornist Frøydis Wekre has had a remarkable and influential career as both performer and teacher. She joined the Oslo Philharmonic at the age of 20, at a time when there were only two women in the orchestra, and went on to establish herself as a highly respected chamber musician, soloist, and educator. For many years, she served as a profe…

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Noise - Episode July 3, 2025

2d ago

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The very first artist SUBMISSION SPECIAL! Noise receives music submissions from all across Canada, and on this episode, Steve is playing YOUR submissions! Playlist: Morrigan, Overzealous - Null Byte Morrigan, Overzealous - Buried Crucifiedwhitesaviour - The Aspiring Predator Always Runs From the Fear Crucifiedwhitesaviour - Dreams of Death in the S…

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Noise - Episode June 26, 2025

9d ago

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Playlist: Jack White - Archbishop Harold Holmes SANAM - Harik YHWH Nailgun - Blackout Dial Up - I Am a Reflective Surface clipping - Malleus JOYFULTALK - Particle Riot Hello Moth - Wouldn't Do Well SNHK, featuring Dystrakted - KVLT Signals & Chemrails SNHK - Sneeze Forks SNHK, featuring The Buttress - Haxorna Lil Ugly Mane - Serious Shit Sigh - Me-…

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Christoph Hartmann: Oboist of the Berliner Philharmoniker and Instructor at the Freiburg Musikhochschule - "Live Your Dreams" 51:44

16d ago51:44

51:44

For those looking for an example of a life lived with both artistic excellence and personal richness, oboist Christoph Hartmann is an inspiring model. A member of the Berlin Philharmonic since 1992, Christoph is not only a world-class orchestral musician but also a sought-after soloist and chamber player. He teaches at the Freiburg Musikhochschule,…

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Noise - Episode June 19, 2025

16d ago

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Special Interview with Jani Parsons & Chris Sies ahead of the 2025 Sound Atlas: Sonic Playground festival! Playlist: Dial Up - Like a Bug On A Windshield Unknown Mortal Orchestra - DEATH COMES FROM THE SKY Uzeb - Not Even the Shadow of the Tail of a Lizard Mary Halvorson - Absinthian Mary Lattimore - Wawa by the Ocean Hermitess - Three Bells Juri S…

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Noise - Episode June 12, 2025

23d ago

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Acclaimed musician and artist Sandra Sutter stops by NOISE ahead of her new album Shadow Stories (Out on June 13th!), and her album launch concert on June 14th at Arts Commons Engineered Air Theatre! Playlist: Sandra Sutter - Sunshine Child Sandra Sutter - Rebound Jolie Laide - Small Things Lung - Everlasting Nothingness PJ Harvey - A Noiseless Noi…

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Deborah Rutter, Part 1: Insights from the arts executive of the LA Chamber Orchestra, Seattle Symphony, Chicago Symphony, and Kennedy Center 59:12

29d ago59:12

59:12

In the world of arts administration, few careers can rival the breadth and impact of Deborah Rutter’s. Her journey began with an early role working under the legendary Ernest Fleischmann at the Los Angeles Philharmonic and evolved into a series of leadership positions at some of the most prominent institutions in the United States. She has served a…

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Noise - Episode June 5, 2025

1M ago

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Playlist: Underground Wires - Searching for Evidence (The Chase Is On) Eye of Newt - Origin Two-Story Amanda Mur - Vapah Mythmaking - Death Is an Exhale John Maus - Quantum Leap wihtikow - ᒥᔪᑮᑭᓭᐹᔮᐤ Lahar - Control Paxillus Succubus - One day in prison Landerim - Little Boy Crystal Landerim - Shallow Draw Pet Retina - Previously on Family Guy... Unk…

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Nour Monday Monologue [MM[: Curating Your Life & Finding Your Unique Voice in a Copy-Paste World 17:18

1M ago17:18

17:18

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, indivi…

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Ron Ramin and Portia Kamons on SEVENTEEN: Giving Voice to a Generation by Composing a Musical Response to the Parkland Tragedy 1:03:21

1M ago1:03:21

1:03:21

“Seventeen was that age when we were realizing… we have to do something about this.” That poignant reflection echoes the emotional heart of SEVENTEEN, a powerful narrative work for orchestra created in response to the tragic 2018 high school shooting in Parkland, Florida—an event that claimed the lives of seventeen students. Composer Ron Ramin was …

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Series 1, Episode 41: The Mysteries of Life 25:39

2M ago25:39

25:39

We'd love to hear from you! Please send us a Text Message! So much of life I take for granted I wake each day to face the same routine The colors often run In shades of monotone and grey And the days melt together In a frivolous cliché But occasionally, now and then Once or twice when the moon is blue I’ll be walking across a room And a thought wil…

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Selina Ott: The History Making and Award Winning International Trumpet Solo and Recording Artist 54:18

2M ago54:18

54:18

In 2018, Austrian trumpeter Selina Ott made history by becoming the first woman to win first prize in the 70-year history of the prestigious ARD International Music Competition in Munich. That landmark achievement launched a remarkable career that has taken her to concert halls around the world, performing both as a soloist and with major orchestra…

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Dr. Princess Alia Al Senussi: On Art Basel, Saudi Arabia, & Cultural Diplomacy From The Ultimate Junction Maker 42:38

2M ago42:38

42:38

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"…

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HUNA Talk: Faraj Abyad and the Revival of Classical Arabic Composition 49:15

2M ago49:15

49:15

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 …

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Bob Malone: The Internationally Respected Instrument Designer and Builder - On Craft and Kaizen 52:29

2M ago52:29

52:29

Bob Malone has quite literally helped shape the sound of modern trumpet playing around the world. He's been designing trumpets for nearly 40 years and is widely recognized as one of the premier trumpet designers in the world. His instruments are played in major orchestras across the globe, and his influence can be heard through the artistry of many…

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Composer Chaya Czernowin on Embracing Risk, Musical Creatures, and Warping Musical Space 1:11:49

2M ago1:11:49

1:11:49

In episode no. 6 of The Composer’s Cut, I sat down with the legendary composer Chaya Czernowin to discuss her music. She spoke of how she conceives of her music almost like creatures that she materializes through the medium of sound, the risk and danger of pursuing certain paths or ideas, warping time and space in music, creating equal forces betwe…

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Yasmin Khalil: KŌDO London & The Sweet Science of Scent-Driven Wellness 34:10

2M ago34:10

34:10

Scent has a powerful ability to transport us through time and space, evoking memories with just one breath. In this riveting conversation with Yasmin Khalil, founder of KŌDO London, we unlock the secrets of luxury home fragrance that honors both indulgence and wellness simultaneously. Yasmin reveals how her Lebanese heritage and interior design bac…

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HUNA Talks: The Intersection of Art and Education with Afra Al Dhaheri, Alia Hussain Lootah, and Janet Bellotto 42:05

2M ago42:05

42:05

A powerful conversation unfolds at Art Dubai 2025 as three visionary women share their journeys through the evolving landscape of arts education in the UAE. Dean Janet Bellotto of Zayed University, artist-educator Afra Al Dhaheri, and artist-founder of Medaf Studio Alia Hussain Lootah reveal the transformative potential of creative learning while c…

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Entangling Sound, Self, and Movement: Niki Harlafti on Her Interdisciplinary Practice 59:37

3M ago59:37

59:37

In episode no. 5 of The Composer's Cut, I sat down with interdisciplinary composer Niki Harlafti (Charlafti) to talk about her music, her compositional process, and her recent projects. We spoke about her approach to form, compositional process, how she weaves musical elements together, her use of text, and the innate interdisciplinarity of her wor…

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You Deserve to Be in the Room: Overcoming Self-Doubt Once and For All 17:30

3M ago17:30

17:30

Nour Hassan dives into the universal struggle of imposter syndrome, sharing personal stories and actionable strategies to overcome self-doubt and fully own your worth. • Understanding imposter syndrome as a sign of growth rather than inadequacy • Normalizing these feelings by recognizing they affect even the most accomplished individuals • Creating…

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Gene Scheer and Jake Heggie: Librettist and Composer, both Luminaries of Contemporary Opera on the Collaborative Nature of their Art 1:05:21

3M ago1:05:21

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In this conversation, we dive into the extraordinary creative partnership between two of the most celebrated figures in contemporary opera—librettist Gene Scheer and composer Jake Heggie. Together, Gene and Jake have brought to life some of the most powerful operatic works of our time, including Moby-Dick, Three Decembers, and It’s a Wonderful Life…

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Ibrahim El Missiri: Beyond the Peninsula Transforming Soma Bay 37:00

3M ago37:00

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From construction engineer to environmental researcher to destination visionary — Ibrahim El Missiri's career path defies conventional trajectories while offering profound insights into what makes extraordinary destinations thrive. As the CEO of Soma Bay Red Sea, El Missiri worked on the transformation of a stunning Red Sea peninsula into one of Eg…

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Series 1, Episode 40: Trees are Falling 16:54

3M ago16:54

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We'd love to hear from you! Please send us a Text Message! A psychedelic experience with a tree and a perplexing new song title dreamed up by Jenny Burton, recording artist of over three and a half decades, got me to become a dedicated advocate for the preservation of forests and the trees of Planet Earth. It didn’t hurt one bit that this previous …

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John Gibson: Director of the Center for Electronic and Computer Music @ Indiana University, Internationally Respected Composer, and Inspirational Pedagogue (they call him Coach!) 1:05:49

3M ago1:05:49

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I had the pleasure of speaking with John Gibson, a distinguished expert in electronic music who has had a fascinating journey through many aspects of the musical world. As someone who didn’t know much about electronic music going into this, I was pleasantly surprised by how accessible and engaging the discussion turned out to be. That’s thanks to J…

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Alex Mincek on Form, the Elasticity of Time, and Repetition 58:31

3M ago58:31

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In episode no. 4 of The Composer's Cut, I sat down with composer-saxophonist and co-director of the Wet Ink Ensemble Alex Mincek to talk about his approach to form, relationships between the surface and the structure of his music, the role of repetition in his music, his relationship with the visual arts, and some recent works! Learn more about you…

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José-Luis Hurtado: Bridging Sound and Vision in Composition 1:02:03

4M ago1:02:03

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In episode no. 3 of The Composer's Cut, I sat down with composer/pianist José-Luis Hurtado to talk about his compositional process, his relationship with the visual arts, and some recent works! Learn more about your host: https://www.mathew-arrellin.com/ Subscribe to my newsletter so you don't miss any updates! https://www.mathew-arrellin.com/subsc…

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Tom Morris: Long-time chief executive leader of The Cleveland Orchestra and the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and international consultant, lecturer, teacher, and writer 55:28

4M ago55:28

55:28

Tom Morris is the author of Always the Music, a book I consider a must-read for anyone looking to understand the ins and outs of the classical music business—how it operates, its challenges, and the fascinating personalities involved. Tom has had an extraordinary journey in the world of music, having experienced it all from multiple perspectives. H…

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Mai Galal: The Woman Who Dressed the Pharaohs 58:33

4M ago58:33

58:33

Meet Mai Galal, the visionary stylist who has revolutionized Egypt's fashion landscape through her extraordinary career spanning decades. Far from an overnight success, Mai's journey began with a needle and thread at age eight, crafting homemade outfits for her Barbie dolls and transforming orange peels into artistic expressions. That same creative…

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Inside Eric Wubbels’ Music: Process, Improvisation, and Meaning Today 1:54:31

4M ago1:54:31

1:54:31

In the second episode of The Composer's Cut podcast, I sit down with composer-pianist Eric Wubbels of the Wet Ink Ensemble to talk about his compositional process! Learn more about your host here: https://www.mathew-arrellin.com/ Subscribe to my newsletter so you don't miss any updates! https://www.mathew-arrellin.com/subscribe _____ Eric's website…

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Composer Anna-Louise Walton on the Art of Working with Limited Materials 27:20

4M ago27:20

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In the inaugural episode of my new podcast The Composer's Cut, I talk with Anna-Louise Walton about her compositional process and working with limited materials. Learn more about your host here: https://www.mathew-arrellin.com/ Subscribe to my newsletter so you don't miss any updates! https://www.mathew-arrellin.com/subscribe _____ Check out her mu…

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Series 1, Episode 39: You and I 18:11

4M ago18:11

18:11

We'd love to hear from you! Please send us a Text Message! This episode is entitled You And I Not all love stories have happy endings. Sometimes, no matter how hard both parties try, it was just not meant to be. This is an uncharacteristically short (just 15 minutes) podcast whose purpose is to introduce a new song written and performed by Peter Li…

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Jerry Hey: The Multi-Grammy Award Winning LA Studio Trumpet Artist and Song Arranger 58:52

4M ago58:52

58:52

Jerry Hey is a Grammy Award-winning arranger, composer, and trumpeter with an incredible career that spans decades. His work as an arranger has brought him into close collaboration with legends like Quincy Jones, and he's crafted arrangements for some of the most iconic artists in music. If you've ever listened to major hits, chances are you've hea…

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Anne Mehany: On Fashion, Dreaming, Grief and the Power of Hope 1:05:24

4M ago1:05:24

1:05:24

In this episode we speak to Anne Mehany, co-founder of Maison Mehany a multidisciplinary creative house. We explore Anne's extraordinary journey from a young girl captivated by fashion to a leader in the Egyptian luxury design scene. Driven by passion, her inspiring story unfolds through layers of personal loss, including the death of her father at…

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Ashley Hall-Tighe: World-Class Trumpeter, Pedagogue, and Life Coach - On Balancing Music, Wellness, and Life 53:35

5M ago53:35

53:35

Ashley Hall-Tighe is a superb trumpeter, musician, educator, and certified life coach. Ashley has an impressive career, having served on the faculties of several universities, including the Longy School of Music of Bard College, and she currently teaches at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. But that’s not all – Ashley also works as a coach, hel…

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Nour Monday Monologue [MM]: Crafting Your Podcast Niche 10:57

5M ago10:57

10:57

This episode emphasizes essential steps for successfully starting a podcast, especially in the MENA region. We explore niche identification, the importance of storytelling, production practices, localization marketing, and monetization strategies. • Define your niche with a regional angle • Emphasize storytelling to build audience connections • Sta…

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Nour Monday Monologue [MM]: Updated Morning Routine 8:01

5M ago8:01

8:01

Join me as I take you through my updated morning routine! From mindful habits to productivity hacks, this routine helps me start my day with energy and focus. I include wellness tips, skincare, fitness, and how I set the tone for a successful day. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more content like this and let me know what you'd lik…

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Series 1, Episode 38: Troubles be Gone- How to Get Through it 38:14

5M ago38:14

38:14

We'd love to hear from you! Please send us a Text Message! This episode is entitled Troubles Be Gone – How to get through it… I had had a rough day. The things that were supposed to happen, didn’t happen. The things that never were supposed to happen, happened. It happens to all of us. Yeah, life on planet Earth can be a roller coaster ride. I thou…

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Aya Abdelhamid: I Grew Up Around Fame 56:13

5M ago56:13

56:13

Join me, Nour Hassan, for a conversation with the incredibly talented Aya Abdelhamid, an Egyptian renowned makeup artist and beauty influencer who shares her inspiring journey in the beauty industry. From her unique upbringing in Cairo, where she was surrounded by actors and celebrities, to her rise as a respected figure in the makeup and winner of…

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Louise Pollock: The Remarkably Hard Working, Award Winning Professor of Trombone at the Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler in Berlin: "If I Can Do It, You Can Do It Too." 47:12

5M ago47:12

47:12

General Introduction: Louise Pollock is currently the Professor of Trombone at the Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler in Berlin. Before that, she served as the principal trombone of the Göteborg Opera while also teaching at the University of Göteborg Academy of Music and Drama. Alongside her orchestral work, Louise has earned several prestigious awa…

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Nour Solo: Character Is Not Built On TikTok (Revisit) 18:58

6M ago18:58

18:58

In this Solo episode our founder Nour Hassan speaks about the idea of building character outside of social media, the importance of figuring out who who are, the dangers of becoming a social clone and finally she gives three tangible takeaways as to how you can navigate social media and ultimately use it to your advantage. Enjoy xx Support the show…

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Lamia Kamel: We Worked On The Presidential Campaign 54:34

6M ago54:34

54:34

PR virtuoso Lamia Kamel graces our latest episode with our founder Nour Hassan, sharing her wisdom on brand building and cultural curation. Listen as she unpacks the essence of creating a reputable brand image and the importance of stepping outside comfort zones for personal and professional growth. Lamia’s insights, drawn from her extensive experi…

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Nour Hassan: How To Be THE Girl Part 2 [solo] 11:14

6M ago11:14

11:14

Are you ready to become the girl of your dreams? Break free from societal norms and trends as we embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and personal style. Our founder Nour Hassan guides you through cultivating a unique aesthetic that speaks to your individuality. Forget TikTok trends; let's focus on building a wardrobe and lifestyle …

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Anne Midgette, Veteran Washington Post Critic, and Greg Sandow, composer, educator and former Entertainment Weekly critic, in a deep dive into music, critique, and audience engagement 1:21:17

6M ago1:21:17

1:21:17

I was delighted to have the opportunity to sit down with Anne Midgette and Greg Sandow together. Both are influential thinkers and leaders in the world of music, each boasting remarkable careers. Anne served as the music critic for The Washington Post for 12 years, following her tenure at The New York Times. She has co-authored two captivating but …

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Reem Hassan: The Matter Matcha Queen 39:13

6M ago39:13

39:13

What if you could transition from managing a leading coffee brand in Dubai to introducing a groundbreaking matcha concept in Cairo? Join our founder Nour Hassan as we uncover the inspiring journey of Reem Hassan, a fearless entrepreneur who has done just that. Reem opens up about her exhilarating leap from being the country manager of Seven Fortune…

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Dara Ghosheh: I Was Never The Popular Girl 49:40

6M ago49:40

49:40

Dara Ghosheh took the ice cream scene by storm, at the very first shop opening the line was endless and the Egyptian sweet industry was transformed by the brand’s infectious and creative concoctions! This week our founder Nour Hassan speaks Dara Ghosheh herself on the podcast, a mother, creative, entrepreneur, ice cream specialist and so much more.…

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Heba Shunbo: He's Just Not That Into You 56:23

7M ago56:23

56:23

Heba Shunbo is an entrepreneur, interior designer, author, podcast host and so much more. Heba along with her sisters founded The Four Fat Ladies, and exited the company after 10 years, in parallel Heba navigated becoming a mother at 40, writing her tell all book “Mommy’ Happy Hour”, and her soaring interior design career. Heba with her sister Nira…

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Maya Allison: On Art, Community, and Cultural Evolution 37:04

7M ago37:04

37:04

Prepare to be captivated by the insights of Maya Allison, the Executive Director and Chief Curator at NYU Abu Dhabi Art Gallery, as she reveals the fascinating journey that led her from the RISD Museum to the vibrant art scene of the UAE. Discover her unique perspective on the evolving role of curators, who not only educate but also engage as publi…

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Nour Solo: Transforming Mornings From Chaos to Calm with Simple Shifts 9:23

7M ago9:23

9:23

Ever felt the morning rush sets the wrong tone for your day? I get it. I used to jolt out of bed straight into a whirlwind of caffeine and chaos until I discovered the magic of slowing down. My unscripted solo session takes you through my journey of transforming mornings from manic to meaningful. Picture this: setting your alarm just 15 minutes ear…

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Imogen Whitehead: Trumpet Solo Artist and Principal Trumpet of Britten Sinfonia and Guest Principal Trumpet of the London Symphony Orchestra, Aurora Orchestra, and English National Opera 1:02:44

7M ago1:02:44

1:02:44

Imogen Whitehead is a true trailblazer in the world of trumpet performance. Currently the principal trumpet of the Britten Sinfonia, Imogen has performed as principal trumpet with some of the world's most prestigious orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra and the Aurora Orchestra. Alongside her orchestral work, she has also carved out …

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Zaina Deesi: Exploring 'Our Future(s)' with Dubai Future Foundation 10:15

7M ago10:15

10:15

In this episode our founder Nour Hassan speaks to Zaina Deesi, Marketing at the Dubai Future Foundation, about the mesmerizing experience "Our Future(s)." Get ready to be intrigued by how this installation intertwines light, sound, and scent to pose thought-provoking questions inspired by the DFF Global 50 Report. Imagine contemplating a future whe…