The Esquire Middle East Podcast Network

This week's guest on the Esquire Q&A podcast is 3x Formula One World Champion Max Verstappen.

The Red Bull Racing driver has run away with the driver’s title this year securing his third world championship in a row, by winning an astonishing 18 Grand Prix. Esquire Middle East caught up with him ahead of this year’s season ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to talk about Michael Jordan, watches and what he does on his time off...

This week's guest on the Esquire Q&A podcast is comedian Noel Miller.
Since posting six-second videos on Vine almost ten years ago, comedian Noel Miller has kept fans entertained through any artistic medium he can get his restlessly inventive hands on. Esquire's Ashish Menon wanted to know what makes him tick...

This week's guest on the Esquire Q&A podcast is comedian Mark Normand.

Funnyman Mark Normand has just released his new Netflix comedy special 'Mark Normand: Soup to Nuts' - it's called that because it covers everything under the sun that makes him laugh, so Esquire's Ashish Menon wanted to know what makes him tick...

This week's guest on the Esquire Q&A podcast is American chef and YouTube personality Brad Leone.

Brad Leone is mostly known as the host of his hit online show, 'It's Alive with Brad'. Here we talk to him about his favourite dishes, tricky issues in the culinary work, and (most importantly) we're going to find out his favourite thing to pickle.

This week's guest on the Esquire Q&A podcast is YouTube creator Cody Ko

You may have been introduced to Cody's work way back when he was making 7-second comedy videos on Vine, but he has pivoted and reinvented himself digitally more times than we can count. While also having built his own podcast empire, TMG Studios, he also successfully runs the Cody Trains YouTube channel, and has recently just completed his first Iron Man - 13 hours of brutal commitment. 

In his regular column for Esquire Middle East, dad-of-one Matthew Baxter-Priest tackles the perils and pleasures of fatherhood. In this episode he bears witness to the start of the future.

In his regular column for Esquire Middle East, dad-of-one Matthew Baxter-Priest tackles the perils and pleasures of fatherhood. In this episode he tackles the diet dilemma

In his regular column for Esquire Middle East, dad-of-one Matthew Baxter-Priest tackles the perils and pleasures of fatherhood. In this episode he unwraps his steadfast control over the music stream 

Welcome to THE EDIT from Esquire Middle East, a weekly check in with all the news, views and shoes from the editors' desks...

In this week's show Matthew Baxter-Priest, William Mullally and Nasri Atallah discuss their mutual hatred of fondue, the little reported news of Beyonce opening of Atlantis The Royal, and they chat to award-collecting musician and composer Hans Zimmer ahead of his 2-night gig in Dubai. 

Welcome to THE EDIT from Esquire Middle East, a weekly check-in with all the news, views and shoes from the editors' desks...

In this very special episode, we chat to Golden Globe winning creator of 'Ramy', Ramy Youssef at a diner in NYC.  

Before that, however, Matthew Baxter-Priest, William Mullally and Nasri Atallah unpick the rather bonkers news of Cristiano Ronaldo joining Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr, and make a case for "going big" on New Years Eve...

In his regular column for Esquire Middle East, dad-of-one Matthew Baxter-Priest tackles the perils and pleasures of fatherhood. In this episode he de-codes his favourite colour...

This week's guest on the Esquire Q&A podcast is Marwan Al Awadhi - or as he's better known as DJ Bliss.

While his star has rocketed since appearing in the record-setting Netflix show, Dubai Bling, Bliss has long been a stalwart in the UAE music industry. Here he talks to Esquire's Matthew Baxter-Priest about the impact that Dubai Bling has had on his life, his latest track 'Hala Walla' with Reggae star Shaggy, and being totally under prepared to run the New York Marathon.   

Welcome to THE EDIT from Esquire Middle East, a weekly check in with all the news, views and shoes from the editors' desks...

In this very special episode Dubai Bling star DJ Bliss drops into the studio to chat about the music industry in the UAE.  

Before that, however, Matthew Baxter-Priest, William Mullally and Nasri Atallah discuss the Spotify Wrapped drops, Sole DXB and cabin crew who wake you up on planes.  

In his regular column for Esquire Middle East, dad-of-one Matthew Baxter-Priest tackles the perils and pleasures of fatherhood. This episode he revels in pleasures of bad parenting.

In his regular column for Esquire Middle East, dad-of-one Matthew Baxter-Priest tackles the perils and pleasures of fatherhood. This episode he remembers the importance of playtime. 

Welcome to THE EDIT from Esquire Middle East, a weekly check in with all the news, views and shoes from the editors' desks...

In this very special episode Nasri Atallah speaks to Red Bull Racing drivers Sergio Perez and world champ Max Verstappen, ahead of the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. 

Before that, however, he joins colleagues Matthew Baxter-Priest, William Mullally and Tamer Madi to discuss the newly launched UAE Champaign Index, and the enduring appeal of Chips Oman.  

In his regular column for Esquire Middle East, dad-of-one Matthew Baxter-Priest tackles the perils and pleasures of fatherhood. This episode he finally says goodbye to his sporting dreams...

Welcome to THE EDIT from Esquire Middle East, a weekly check in with all the news, views and shoes from the editors' desks...

In this week's show Matthew Baxter-Priest, William Mullally and Nasri Atallah discuss which Hemsworth will play them in the film adaptation of the podcast, Esquire interviews Black Panther: Wakanda Forever star Letitia Wright, and we welcome back the return of the Elon Musk Evil-o-meter... 

Welcome to THE EDIT from Esquire Middle East, a weekly check in with all the news, views and shoes from the editors' desks...

In this week's show Matthew Baxter-Priest, William Mullally and Nasri Atallah discuss the Kanye-Adidas fall out, 'Queen' Mariah Carey in Al Ula, and an interview  with The Bear's Matty Matheson.  

Welcome to THE EDIT from Esquire Middle East, a weekly check in with all the news, views and shoes from the editor's desks...

In this week Matthew Baxter-Priest and Nasri Atallah shoot the breeze about how Karim Benzema is becoming a low-key style icon, how the Louvre Abu Dhabi celebrates its fifth anniversary, and discuss how No-Lo is becoming the new YOLO.

Welcome to THE EDIT from Esquire Middle East, a weekly check in with all the news, views and shoes from the editor's desks...

In this week Matthew Baxter-Priest, William Mullally and Alex Bridle discuss the impact of the NBA in Abu Dhabi, Sole DXB and why Mo Amer is the MVP of Black Adam

Welcome to THE EDIT from Esquire Middle East, a weekly check in with all the news, views and shoes from the editor's desks...

In this week Matthew Baxter-Priest, Nasri Atallah and Alex Bridle discuss about Roger Federer's retirement, the new Ferrari Purosangue and debate the cultural importance of the curly fry. 

Gary Yong – who also goes by the name Enforce One – is one of the most well-respected street artists in the UAE and is renowned for his larger-than-life murals and fine attention to detail.

Esquire's Matthew Baxter-Priest sat down with the artist to discuss his recent collaboration with Glenfiddich's Mavericks DXB Project, and the nitty-gritty of his creative process...

Another week, another podcast. 

Another week, another Esquire Q&A Podcast. 

Today, we're sitting down with Mohamed Jassim Al Serkal, the UAE's lone Emirati dressage rider. 

Welcome back to the Esquire Q&A Podcast!

Today is a very special day for the podcast because it's the start of season three. Yes, the podcast has proven so popular that we are back, bringing with us an entirely new roster of interesting guests that represent both style and substance - two traits that us here at Esquire hold most dear.

As per usual, each week we will be sitting down with a man or woman who exhibits both style and substance, and talking about their interests, and figuring out what makes these people tick. Today is no different, as we will be delving in - for the first time in this podcast's history, I might add - into the motoring industry.

Yes, we have talked to artists, musicians, designers, hotel managers, influencers, gamers and more, but this marks our first-ever discussion based around cars.

Our guest today is Markus Leithe, who is the marketing manager of Infiniti Middle East. He is in charge of driving Infiniti's performance here in the region. He brings more than 20 years of automotive experience to the job, having previously worked for another motoring stalwart: General Motors.

Today we're going to go over everything from where the car industry is going - from both a design and a technological standpoint - as well as the elephant in the room, what the coronavirus might mean for the wider industry in general. 

Another week, another episode of the Esquire Q&A Podcast.

It's another episode of the Esquire Q&A podcast. 

Welcome to another episode of the Esquire Q&A podcast

As you know – each week we sit down with a man (or a woman) who exhibits both style and substance, two characteristics that we hold most dear at Esquire.

Today, my guest certainly embodies those two principles – and for the first time for the podcast he’s involved in the busy hospitality industry. As those who know places like the Middle East will tell you, this region is a hot bed for new luxury hotels – Dubai in particular.

Tim Cordon has spent most of his life running hotels, and now looks after 85 currently, with another 80 in development. Yes, Tim is the senior vice president of the Radisson Hotel Group here in the Middle East and Africa – and spends his time travelling around the world literally – checking in – on some of the region’s best hotels.

But, that’s enough waffle from me. Why don’t we talk to the big man himself. Enjoy.

Hello, and welcome once again to another episode of the Esquire Q&A Podcast.

Now as regular listeners will know, this is the show where we sit down with men and women who exhibit both style and substance. Today is no different, as for the first time we are sitting down with someone who specializes in all things social media.

Benjamin Ampen is the managing director for Twitter’s Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan offices. Our conversation today obviously covers all things social media, but we also discuss what it’s like working at a social media giant like Twitter, how to get a job there as well as what the other bigwigs of social media need to look out for.

Oh, and we also chat a little bit about his penchant for martial arts, and driving very fast on two wheels. Enjoy the show…

Now, today is a very special episode because we are – GASP – breaking our regular podcasting schedule?

Why would we do that I hear you ask? Because it is currently the Dubai Watch Week, aka the region’s biggest watch shindig that brings thousands of people to the city to marvel at all things watch related. Watch Week is currently going on at Dubai’s International Financial City, and we’ve been there pretty much every second of every day, rubbing shoulders with watch royalty, checking out the newest launches and – yes – talking to some very interesting men about some very interesting watches.

And that’s what brings me to today’s podcast. Today we talked to none other than David Tedeschi, the regional director for – among other things – Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as the Middle East and Africa.

We sat down to discuss what makes Hublot tick, as well as some very, very interesting new materials in watchmaking.

Enjoy the show.

When Caroline Leon broke her back four years ago she never thought she’d be able to walk again let alone attempt to become the first person to climb the 15 highest peaks in the Middle East.

At the time, her injuries were so severe she wanted to give up. But after being confined to a wheelchair for six months as well as undergoing 14 surgeries and 23 blood transfusions, she slowly regained her ability to walk and came up with a plan to get not only her strength back but also her confidence. She has now climbed 10 of the 15 peaks and is almost at the end of her journey. The only problem? Navigating her travel to the currently hard-to-get-to countries of Iraq and Yemen.

She joined us in the Esquire studio to share her journey since the accident.

Hello, and welcome back to the Esquire Q&A Podcast. Now as many of you will know, this is the show where we sit down with men and women who exhibit both style and substance.

Previously, we’ve talked to award-winning chefs, broadcasters, watchmakers, entrepreneurs, actors, singers and artists. And this week is no different.

Today we’re sitting down with a man who is no stranger to an audio studio. Jafaar is a Jordan-based singer/songwriter who wants to bridge the musical cultures of the east and the west. Ultimately, he wants to modernize Arab music with international beats, and hopefully increase interest in that flavour of tune.

Fun fact – Jafaar is actually the nephew to Jordan Royalty. So stay tuned to hear us talk a little about that. Enjoy.

It’s not often that you hear of someone successfully lifting 500 kilos in a world record deadlift. 

The Beast, Eddie Hall shattered records in 2017 and also took home the title of the World’s Strongest Man. The former truck mechanic turned the world’s strongest man turned Hollywood actor speaks to Esquire in his gruelling training regime, working out with Arnold Swazzenagger and the difficulty of travelling when you’re a big man.

Today we are sitting down with an internationally renowned chef with restaurants all over the globe. He’s been working in the culinary world for the last 20-years, but before that was a professional snowboarder of all things.

Since swapping the snow for the kitchen, Akira Back has been named the Best Chef in Las Vegas, participated in more food and drink events than I have time to list right here, and been presented with a Michelin star. Earlier this year he opened up his first restaurant here in Dubai at the new W Hotel on the palm, and today we’re here to talk about what got him started in the culinary world, how he compares Dubai to other food capitals and what’s next on his docket of world domination.

Amir Siddiqui tells it like it is.

He didn’t come to the UAE to help the country get fit or lose weight (although, that is a helpful byproduct), he did so to make money. Since then has earned a reputation as one of Dubai’s most effective – and expensive – trainers.

Siddiqui runs Symmetry Gym, often touted as Dubai’s most expensive. There’s a reason for that; mainly that the private gym only offers one-on-one training sessions with some of the region’s best fitness experts.

The gym also specializes in building fitness systems and most recently put together a 28-day plan that costs a whopping US$9,800 (AED36,000) with no money-back guarantee.

We sat down with Siddiqui in this month’s Esquire Q&A podcast to ask about the merits of this radical new system and the mistakes people make when getting fit.

Welcome to another episode of the Esquire Q&A Podcast. This week we have a genuine superstar on the show, the WWE's Mansoor. 

WWE superstar Mansoor Al-Shehail has quickly become a man of firsts. He was the first Saudi-born wrestler to sign for WWE, he was the first Saudi-born wrestler to wrestle on the company’s NXT show, he made his debut in 2018 on WWE’s first-ever live event in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and followed it up a year later by winning of the largest Battle Royal in WWE history at the Super Showdown event in Riyadh.

Making a success of yourself in the immensely competitive and cutthroat world of sports entertainment is difficult enough, but add that list of trailblazing accolades to a 23-year-old’s shoulders and it takes a person of serious character to not only survive but thrive.

Ahead of the upcoming WWE Crown Jewel 2019 event in Riyadh on October 31, Esquire Middle East sat down with Mansoor to hear his story.

Samantha Wood is a British/Greek resident of Dubai, and wears a number of hats. She's a restaurant reviewer, a food writer, PR practitioner and event organizer. Having left the hospitality industry and PR world she set up her business in Dubai in eight years ago; an impartial restaurant review website Foodiva. 

She's in the Esquire Q&A studio this week to talk all things food, from some of the city's best restaurants to the state of fine dining here in the UAE. 

Swiss businessman Maximillian Büsser is the founder, creator and chief creative officer of MB&F (Maximillian Büsser & Friends), a seriously luxurious independent watch brand. 

Büsser’s watch portfolio previously includes CEO of Harry Winston, Inc. Rare Timepieces and senior manager at Jaeger-LeCoultre. In 2005 he left his corporate job and put his Master’s degree in Micro-Technology Engineering to work, starting his own watch company. 

Büsser draws upon his life experiences and those close to him to create highly personal and unusual ‘horological machines’. Helmed by Büsser, MB&F also supports numerous lesser-known independent watchmakers and promotes watchmaking as an art form.

In this week's Esquire Q&A we sit down with Büsser to talk watches, watchmaking and why starting your own company isn't for everyone

Welcome back to another episode of Esquire Q&A

Our guest today is a good friend to the brand. He appeared in last year’s biggest influencers of the gulf list, as our only technology vlogger – however he has since expanded out into the world of men’s luxury lifestyle, cars and watches. 

Yes, Emkwan is an Abu Dhabi based influencer who started his original YouTube channel by happenstance. Today, two channels now boast more than 150,000 subscribers.  But don’t take my word for it. In today’s podcast Emkwan talks about how he got started, where he thinks the world of YouTube and vlogging is going next, as well his newfound interest in watches. 

Enjoy. 

Another episode of the Esquire Q&A Podcast.

Another episode of the Esquire Q&A Podcast. 

Hello, and welcome to the Esquire Q&A podcast – our weekly sit-down with someone of style and substance here in the Middle East. 

For first time listeners, this is where we get someone who is doing rather well in his or her industry, sit them down, and ask them a few questions about what makes them tick. 

My guest today was the pioneering mind behind bringing escape rooms to the region. You know, the places where you get locked into a small room with a few friends, and have to solve clues to ultimately escape. Mr Abulwahab Bahrawi first brought the concept to Dubai and then Jeddah under the name Escape Hunt. 

He’s here now to talk about what compelled him to do that, and what’s next for the escape room concept here in the Middle East. 

Success is a difficult metric to define. For instance, there are few cases when two affable men chatting inanely about news, entertainment and occasionally bickering about sport (mainly golf) for three-hours on a daily basis wouldn’t be deemed anything but pub-worthy - but then you tune into Dubai Eye 103.8 to listen to Off-Script with Chris & Robbie during your drive home, and you instantly you get it. 

The natural chemistry between presenters Chris McHardy and Robbie Greenfield lies at the core of their top-rated radio show and, as they tell Esquire, it has proved to be a key ingredient in their specific blend of success. 

Welcome back to another episode of Esquire Q&A. Today we have a very special guest. 

Ammar Daba, a Syrian stand-up comedian, writer, and actor. Started his writing and acting career in 2002 in Damascus, he wrote for theatre, TV and radio. In 2005, he moved to Dubai and later co-created the Syrian animated show "Mawqef Micro" in 2009 which ran for 2 seasons. Ammar started his standup career in 2012, he was inspired by great comedians like, George Carlin, Jerry Seinfeld and Louis CK to develop a raw, raunchy brutally honest style of comedy that takes aim at himself before discussing anything else. His comedy is a mix of observational comedy and story telling that always delivers a hidden idea between the lines. In 2017 he was chosen to perform in Comedy Central Arabia's "Comedy Central Presents: كوميدي عالواقف" season 3, to be picked again later in 2018 to perform his first half-hour special for Comedy Central Arabia's "Comedy Central Presents: منا و فينا".

Welcome back to another episode of Esquire Q&A

Mike Phillips

Hello and welcome to the Esquire Q&A Podcast. Yes, it’s that little slice of audible adventure that sees us talking to all manner of guests, from all walks of life. The main thing that ties each guest together however, is that they are perfect examples of both style and substance. 

Previously, we’ve had chefs and businessmen on the podcast. But we’ve never had an entrepreneurial chef quite like Philip Chiang. One half of the dynamic duo that started the Asian stalwart P.F. Chang’s way back in 1993 out of Scottsdale Arizona, today the brand has more than 300 locations in the united states alone, and is present in more than 25 countries. 

This year actually marks the tenth year of the brand’s existence here in the Middle East, and to celebrate Mr Chiang himself flew over to mark the occasion. While he was here we sat down for a bite to eat, as well as a quick conversation about his life, his art and his business. 

And one small bit of housekeeping here – we actually recorded this special episode inside the brand’s Jumeirah Beach Residence location here in Dubai. Enjoy.