ALGO: A LOT GOING ON WITH RAJ KOTECHA | THE NO1 PODCAST IN DUBAI

James Poole is CEO and Founder of Seven Fronds and is responsible for bringing world-class retail and F&B brands like On Running and Gitano to the UAE.

He is also part of the My Friends Your Friends community, so Raj and Vik invited him on to ALGO to learn more about what's enticing huge brands to set up in the Middle East. We also cover what gives these brands the best chance of survival in 2024.

Highlights from our chat with James Poole:

(00:00) Intro (00:54) What is James Poole’s Background? (07:31) Where is James Poole Now in 2024? (10:02) How does James Poole Prepare a Brand to Speak to Operators? (11:47) What NOT TO DO Entering a Market as a New Brand (18:47) Is it Worth Opening a New Brand in Dubai in 2024? (20:57) Why Dubai is an “A” Market (24:18) GITANO Dubai’s Success Story (30:33) What to Think About When Consulting a Brand (35:09) The Success Story Behind On-Running (40:32) How & Why Networking is so Important? (44:14) What Should an Up-and-Coming Brand Think of? (52:45) Biggest Trends & Opportunities for Brands in Dubai’s 2024 Market (57:12) Thank You to James Poole

Connect with the show https://www.instagram.com/rajkotecha https://www.instagram.com/vikmorjaria https://www.instagram.com/algo.pod

Learn More about Seven Fronds https://sevenfronds.com/

Search for ALGO: A LOT GOING ON WITH RAJ KOTECHA on Spotify and Apple Podcast too

In this episode of ALGO, we have Vik joining us as we dive into the world of AI. From its potential to preserve digital legacies to its impact on company profits, we explore the multifaceted aspects of AI. Plus, learn how to integrate AI into your business and life starting today. Stay tuned for all this and more, including updates on My Friends Your Friends 20. Highlights: (00:00) Intro (02:46) Where is AI Today & How Should You Think About it? (14:12) AI could keep people in your business even after they die. (20:10) Will AI Affect Company’s Bottom Line? (31:36) What Do People Want to Know About AI? (34:27) AI Will Optimize Everything You do (40:14) How To Start Using AI Today (44:57) My Friends Your Friends 20 is Almost Sold Out Connect with the show https://www.instagram.com/rajkotecha https://www.instagram.com/vikmorjaria https://www.instagram.com/algo.pod Search for ALGO: A LOT GOING ON WITH RAJ KOTECHA on Spotify and Apple Podcast too

In this episode of ALGO, we have Vik joining us as we dive into a packed agenda, covering everything announcing the My Friends Your Friends 20 Cohosts, to New Year's Eve parties with the best DJs in Dubai, as well as Ed Sheeran's record-breaking ticket sales show in Dubai. We also discuss the latest TikTok and Universal contract drama, and we can't forget that Apple will start allowing third-party apps onto only the EU app store. Highlights: (00:00) Intro (00:47) MFYF Co-Host list (17:22) Vik’s 2023 NYE House Party (19:07) Raj’s 2023 NYE Plans took a complete 180° turn (21:29) NYE DJ's at Monkey Bar (26:32) Listening to Vinyls at Honeycomb Hi-Fi (28:51) Reggae on the Roof at Paros (33:58) Is the Music Scene in Dubai Evolving? (37:02) Ed Sheeran's Dubai Show Review (44:20) Ali Abdaal & Sahil Bloom’s Talk at LSE (51:13) Apple Allows Third-Party App Store (1:02:25) Tiktok and Universal Beef (1:12:53) Omar Agamyy on Instagram (1:14:53) Raj Kotecha’s Interview with VISIONARY MAGAZINE (1:16:27) Raj on the Thad Cox Podcast (1:17:56) Matt Gray on Deep Dive with Ali Abdaal (1:19:28) Shout Outs Connect with the show https://www.instagram.com/rajkotecha https://www.instagram.com/vikmorjaria https://www.instagram.com/algo.pod Search for ALGO: A LOT GOING ON WITH RAJ KOTECHA on Spotify and Apple Podcast too

This special episode of ALGO features Raj answering questions that were used to write the following article for Visionary Magazine. https://www.visionary-mag.com/post/renaissance-man-raj-kotecha-talks-his-come-up-tech-hip-hop-crazy-encounters-with-fat-joe-and-more Raj dives into the early days of his first job to the essential life lessons learned from family, exploring the balance of business studies and event promotion. You’ll get to hear the behind-the-scenes story of Raj meeting hip-hop icons DJ Khaled and Fat Joe. Raj also talks about the intersection of hip-hop and tech and the state of the hip-hop scene in the Middle East. Raj also opens up about the origin of My Friends Your Friends, and shares insights from the three most important lessons from his long career. Chapters: (00:00) Intro (00:55) What was your first ever job? (01:44) What are the most important lessons you learned from your parents & grandparents? (03:42) How did you balance studying business & party promotion? (05:09) What made you keep working & start an agency after an exit instead of taking a break? (06:33) The story behind meeting DJ Khaled & Fat Joe (09:03) Where do hip-hop & tech intersect & how do they influence each other? (10:17) What do you think bout the hip-hop scene in the Middle East/Dubai & what does it need to blow up? (12:50) Does AI benefit or hinder creatives? (14:46) Which city is at the top of your list & why? (16:33) What is the origin story of MyFriendsYourFriends and what’s the future of it? (18:33) Which of your event brand is your favorite & why? (19:45) From the beginning of your journey till now what are the 3 most important lessons? Connect with the show http://www.instagram.com/rajkotecha http://www.instagram.com/vikmorjaria http://www.instagram.com/algo.pod Connect with Majid & Visionary Magazine

https://www.instagram.com/visionarymagazine/

In this episode of ALGO, join us as we go on a journey, discussing a lot of different topics from our 2024 New Year's plans, spending Christmas Day in Dubai on a Yacht as well as interesting conversations we’ve recently had with creatives. We also discuss what we believe you should focus on in 2024, weaknesses we need to stop to make our 2024 more productive, and lastly what we believe are the biggest opportunities of 2024. We hope you enjoy this episode and wish you a Happy New Year! (00:00) Intro (00:20) Raj & Vik’s New Years Plans (02:15) Raj’s Conversation with Alv on Experience Design (05:02) Our Conversation with Drock AKA the Man Behind GaryVee’s Content Machine (07:12) Yacht Party & Lunch for Christmas Day (10:50) Rest in Peace Farah Khaleck (12:10) Jus Reign is Back (15:50) Don’t sleep on AI in 2024 (21:31) Get good at Learning How to Learn (27:21) Process’ are Important (28:36) Stop Over Consuming Content (31:32) Vik on Needing to Stop Procrastinating (33:40) Business’ Need to be More Thoughtful about Content (36:10) You Should Move to the UAE in 2024 (37:49) Stop Comparing Yourself to Others (39:26) Don’t Let People Drain Your Energy Connect with the show http://www.instagram.com/rajkotecha http://www.instagram.com/vikmorjaria http://www.instagram.com/algo.pod This episode was recorded at Tara Rose Podcast Studios. For more information check out Tara Rose Salon Arenco Warehouse 10, Al Quoz, Al Quoz 1, Dubai +971 4 324 6613 http://www.tararosesalon.com info@tararosesalon.com

Back to a classic episode format this week as Raj and Vik discuss Instagram leveling up to a marketing technology firm for the masses with split A/B testing, what kept Raj and Vik from recording ALGO for 6 months and their highlights of 2023. (00:00) Feedback on the SoleDXB Episode (00:28) Tara Rose Podcast Studio Details (01:12) What we'll be discussing today (01:25) Instagram launches Split A/B testing of captions (07:23) Why Gary Vee, Steven Bartlett and Mr Beast keep changing thumbnails (10:38) Instagram is making creators level up (11:53) How split testing can create better brands online (21:46) Indo Warehouse Dubai show 6th January 2024 (23:50) Scarface Tiny Desk Performance Review (No Spoilers) (29:24) Why Raj follows US Politics (30:05) Why we haven't published ALGO since the summer (30:43) My Friends Your Friends in London, New York and Toronto (33:29) Raj is a Course Director for Chartered Institute of Marketing (34:08) Shout out to Creative Content Agency clients (37:00) Working with celebrities again (45:30) Getting healthy is easier your 40's (48:41) Raj's thoughts on the business becoming systemised (50:35) How Raj spots trends in other cities to bring back to Dubai (54:38) Why all-hands meetings are the most expensive things for a business (59:09) First and Ten Productions shout out (59:01) Vik loved working with Ryan Serhant (01:01:22) Raj loved working with Jay Shetty (01:03:53) Daniel Priestley is Raj's 2024 pick (01:05:47) Daniel Priestley is Dizzee Rascal (01:07:05) Raj responds to critics on his strategy (01:08:39) Raj's plans for ALGO in 2024 (01:09:24) Raj's plans for his own brand in 2024 (01:10:09) Raj's plans for Creative Content Agency in 2024 (01:12:06) Raj's plans for The 4Ps of Content in 2024 (01:12:21) Raj's plans for My Friends Your Friends 20 in 2024 (01:15:05) Tara Rose Salon shout outs (01:15:58) Shout out to Park Hill Clothing Connect with the show http://www.instagram.com/rajkotecha http://www.instagram.com/vikmorjaria http://www.instagram.com/algo.pod This episode was recorded at Tara Rose Podcast Studios. For more information check out Tara Rose Salon Arenco Warehouse 10, Al Quoz, Al Quoz 1, Dubai +971 4 324 6613 http://www.tararosesalon.com info@tararosesalon.com

In this episode of ALGO, Raj, Vik, and special guest Kish sit down to deeeep dive into the incredible world of Sole DXB 2023. From its music programming on stage and celebrations of Arab pride to the incredible value for money and benefits to Dubai - we cover it all in 90 minutes. Massive shoutouts to the team at Sole and all the friends and artists we met. You can check some of the video content on https://www.instagram.com/algo.pod Highlights include: (00:00) Intro (00:53) Sole DXB Overview Breakdown (01:44) Why Sole is the most important weekend in Dubai (02:44) Comparing Sole to Hip Hop 50 in NYC + London (06:34) Arab Pride & Culture at Sole DXB (10:30) Brands and Activations at Sole DXB (14:30) The Programming of Sole DXB (16:10) Why booking Jadakiss was genius (18:48) Busta Rhymes at Sole DXB (23:24) Honeycomb HiFi x Sole DXB (24:30) Russell Peters at DEF JAM x Jibber with Jabber (25:07) Ghostface Performs at Sole DXB Opening Party (28:25) DJ Shadow at SoleDXB (29:24) Lupe Fiasco at SoleDXB (30:06) What makes SoleDXB untouchable? (31:23) SoleDXB should release a $1000 ticket (37:37) Big Daddy Kane at SoleDXB (40:55) Arlo Parks at SoleDXB (43:00) Dijok at SoleDXB (44:28) Toby Nwigwe at SoleDXB (46:20) Yasiin Bey at SoleDXB (46:55) Spliff Star catch up at SoleDXB (47:53) SoleDXB is 10 AED per hour (49:34) AJ x Mazzi crush it with Jibber with Jabber Live (51:55) Falafel for the People food review at SoleDXB (53:18) AmongstFew stand at SoleDXB (54:58) Sunday at Sole DXB (55:13) Rahzel Beatboxing at SoleDXB (59:16) Omar Offendum at SoleDXB (1:03:26) Sampa The Great at SoleDXB (01:04:09) Joey Badass at SoleDXB (01:05:55) SoleDXB Set Design x Ticket Categories (01:11:42) Parvane x Elo at SoleDXB (01:12:43) Busta Rhymes x Spliff Star Close SoleDXB (01:15:34) The UAE Mixtape at SoleDXB (01:17:53) Mazzi at SoleDXB (1:20:28) Shout Outs (1:21:44) Launching MFYF in New York, Toronto and London (01:23:54) DJ Kishmeister on ItchFM (01:26:10) Will the SoleDXB founders come on ALGO? (01:27:18) SoleDXB is net positive for immigration Connect: https://www.instagram.com/rajkotecha https://www.instagram.com/vikmorjaria https://www.instagram.com/kishmeister/ https://www.rajkotecha.com/ Listen and watch "ALGO: A Lot Going On with Raj Kotecha" on all platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Stitcher, and more at https://www.rajkotecha.com/podcast

In this episode, Raj and Adnan discuss a HUGE set of notes Raj took at Collision Conference, North America's biggest tech conference. Raj spent time with newcomers and billionaires in the tech scene and gathered an insane series of takes on AI and the future of the web, creativity and content.

This is a must-listen for fans of the show and clients of Creative Content Agency.

In this episode, Alex, Adnan, and I discuss the My Friends Your Friends New York City event, AI tools for events as well as the missing Titanic submarine. (00:00) Intro (00:36) MFYF NYC Breakdown (11:42) AI Tools for events (14:56) Out & About (31:02) Missing Titanic Submarine Connect: https://www.instagram.com/rajkotecha

https://www.instagram.com/alexchristophe

https://www.instagram.com/adnanbasrai

https://www.rajkotecha.com/ Listen and watch A Lot Going On on all platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Stitcher, and more at https://www.rajkotecha.com/podcast

In this episode we deep dive into the emerging two-horse race of Open AI vs Google and discuss strategic 2nd mover advantage, along with how large language models and AI can be placed over narrow data models like your favourite e-commerce site or your business's P&L to give you insights.

(00:00) Intro to Adnan Basrai co-hosting

(01:25) Trying Teff Cookies that were gifted to us

(05:05) Did ChatGPT prompt Google and other tech companies to speed up their innovation?

(08:37) Rapid innovation cycles as a trend (Apple VR headsets, AI, etc)

(15:25) Dealing with AI job losses and skills transfers

(24:15) Raj used OpenAI to make a DJ set playlist

(30:01) Using LLM's in regulated markets and over narrow data sets

(36:40) Are young entrepreneurs fascinated with Elon, Bezos, Zuck, Chamath?

(36:05) Why Jay-Z, Biggie and Nas are considered the GOATs

(40:57) Why Jay Z is the last technical GOAT

This week Raj is back from London after watching the KSI vs Joe Fournier fight at OVO Wembley. He talks about why the Misfits boxing franchise is genius and his history with some of the people behind the match.

In this episode, Arjun and I fall into a conversation early on about loving your own work and some of the reasons behind it. We then talked about the creative process and the role of AI including chat GPT's latest announcements about plug-ins and automation, along with the impact on social media advertising. Enjoy.

In this episode, Raj Kotecha and Arjun Shah talk about the shift in verification across Facebook and Twitter and the impact of AI. This episode is more of a deep dive on one subject, but if you work in social, content and brand building, it's a must-watch. (00:00) Where ALGO has been and introducing Arjun (10:42) The verification talk starts

On today’s episode of ALGO Vik, Alex and I discuss:

(00:00 Intro

(03:29) The Grammy’s

(07:29) Jay Z's Grammy Performance

(08:23) Harry Styles Performance

(09:09) Mick Jagger comparison

(13:08) Jay Z Grammy Performance Breakdown

(16:30) Beyoncé Breaks Grammy Record

(20:00) Chris Brown Disses Robert Glasper

(23:15) Zoom Lays Off 15% of Employees 

(36:58) Google VS Microsoft AI browser 

(39:15) LinkedIn AI

(48:51) Sharjah 3-Day Weekends 

(51:33) White Men Can't Jump Relaunch

(56:10) Nimesh Patel on Group Chat Podcast

(01:04:50) Lil Yachty Album

(1:10:34) Shout Outs 

Connect:

https://www.instagram.com/rajkotecha

https://www.instagram.com/vikmorjaria

https://www.instagram.com/alexchristophe

https://www.instagram.com/algo.pod

https://www.rajkotecha.com/

Listen and watch THE RAJ KOTECHA SHOW on all platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Stitcher, and more at https://www.rajkotecha.com/podcast

This week Raj and Vik are joined by their buddy Sal to discuss the following topics.

(00:00) Intro with Vik & Sal

(02:10) Mr Beast cures 1000 blind people

(13:00) Facebook hits 2bn users

(20:50) 50k Free Flights to Hong Kong

(25:35) Dubai allows express weddings

(31:49) Will Smith announced Bad Boys 4

(45:54) Jay Z Wins in Bacardi Suit

(54:15) Starting from Scratch on DDFD Podcast

(55:50) Phat Tuesdays on Amazon Prime

(57:12) Kyambo "Hip Hop" Joshua on ROAD Podcast

(58:45) KSI: In Real Life

(01:01:00) Aziz Ansari Netflix Special

(01:01:39) Taste of Dubai Festival Review

(01:04:52) Dubai Glow Garden

(01:08:30) Raj's Promo Interview Tour

(01:10:51) Rishi Kotecha's Birthday

ALGO: A LOT GOING ON WITH RAJ KOTECHA - we've gone viral.  Earlier this week the wonderful team at Earn Your Leisure posted our Beyoncé in Dubai clip and it got a LOT of views and comments.  We talk about that and more.  

(00:00) Topics this episode

(02:10) Our Beyoncé clip went viral

(11:26) Will artists do Vegas-style residencies in Dubai?

(13:45) Will Bollywood do residencies in Dubai?

(18:31) Why did Justin Beiber sell his music rights for $200M USD

(35:09) Why is Chinese retailer Shien doing a pop-up store in Dubai?

(43:21) Tik Tok wants staff back in the office

(49:45) Why Has Apple Launched a Privacy Charm Offensive?

(59:39) Sotheby's & Jordan Brand Launch Notorious BIG Air Jordan

(01:04:48) Content Recommendations Andrew Huberman & Rick Rubin

(01:14:00) MKBHD reviews Apple's New M2 Mac Mini's & MacBook Pro's

(01:15:15) Shout Outs

On today's episode of ALGO: A LOT GOING ON WITH RAJ KOTECHA we talk about

(00:00) Intro

(02:04) Beyoncé is cheap at $24m

(09:14) Will the performance sell to Netflix?

(16:00) Why $24m is a low price for Beyoncé

(19:45) Will Royal Atlantis do an annual event?

(23:02) Ashanti, Ja Rule, Fat Joe & Akon Dubai show

(28:35) Reviewing each performance

(42:25) Better ways to use Coca-Cola Arena

(46:28) Usher's Lovers and Friends Las Vegas Show

(49:01) Flo Rida wins $82.6m Damages in Celcius Case

(59:10) Usain Bolt has $12m Stolen

(01:02:46) Twitter Bans 3rd Party Apps

(01:15:00) India Surpasses China's Population

(01:29:30) Content Recommendations

(01:37:02) Shout Outs

Connect with us

http://www.instagram.com/rajkotecha

http://www.instagram.com/vikmorjaria

http://www.instagram.com/alexchristophe

On today’s episode of ALGO Vik, Alex, and I discuss:

(00:00) Intro

(00:41) Welcome Back Alex

(01:36) Apple VR Headset Announced

(16:34) Elon Musk Loses $200bn

(20:01) Tim Cook’s $49m Pay Cut

(27:54) Will Saudi Arabia Buy The WWE

(38:00) UAE Allow Teenagers to Run Businesses

(50:06) Chris Brown Beats Elvis Presley As Male Singer with Most Gold-Certified Singles

(54:52) Euston shooting

(1:01:50) Content Recommendations:

(1:02:03) Lex Fridman X Mr.Beast

(1:03:46) Rich Roll X Seth Godin

(1:07:00) Ozark

(1:09:01) Why Brilliant Minds Are Moving to Dubai - Vishen Lakhiani

(1:11:15) Divine on Hot 97

(1:13:40) Strech & Bobbito: Radio That Changed Lives

(1:15:50) Black Bird

(1:16:57) Jay Shetty X Kevin Hart

(1:19:25) Out & About in Dubai

(1:19:54) The Nice Guy Dubai

(1:22:50) San Beach Dubai

(1:24:35) Dubai Boat Party

(1:25:51) Emmy Squared Pizza

(1:33:46) Shout Outs

Connect:

https://www.instagram.com/rajkotecha

https://www.instagram.com/vikmorjaria

https://www.instagram.com/alexchristophe

https://www.rajkotecha.com/

Listen and watch THE RAJ KOTECHA SHOW on all platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Stitcher, and more at https://www.rajkotecha.com/podcast

It's a new year and a big announcement.  The pod has had a change of name!

Chapter Highlights Include: 

(00:00) Intro

(03:52) Alex's Nurai Island Trip

(06:17) Our New Years Resolutions

(15:22) New Year, New Name

(17:39) Travis Scott, Lil Uzi Vert Announced for Wireless Abu Dhabi

(25:48) Dubai Axes 30% tax on Alcohol

(33:43) Amazon Lays Off 18K Employees

(39:44) Dubai Announces $8.7 Trillion Economic Plan

(47:10) Ronaldo signing to Al Nassr

(55:30) Today’s Sponsor: Soul Purpose

(56:30) Content Recommendations: Avatar: The Way of Water

(1:02:00) Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery

(1:04:08) Kaleidoscope

(1:09:03) Chamath Palihapitiya on MIT

(1:11:09) Moment of Zen

(1:14:03) Vik’s Trip to Bali

(1:18:36) Raj Out & About in Dubai

(1:26:23) Shout Outs

Connect with the guys

http://www.instagram.com/rajkotecha

http://www.instagram.com/vikmorjaria

http://www.instagram.com/alexchristophe

https://www.rajkotecha.com/ 

Listen and watch THE RAJ KOTECHA SHOW on all platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Stitcher, and more at https://www.rajkotecha.com/podcast

A crazy week in Dubai and here to break it all down is my cousin Neil Ganatra from Toronto.  We talk about Dubai and his thoughts on the creative and business world here.  Plus some GREAT food spots and a little news.

Use the chapter links to jump to the SOLE review!  On today’s episode of ALGO Vik, Alex, and I as well as Sal, Jesal and Kish from the ALGO editorial team discuss.

(00:00) Intro 

(01:16) Highs and Lows of 2022 

(02:17) Horrible Year for Crypto 

(06:51) Bad Year for Streaming Services?

(12:16) Stressful Times in the UK 

(18:59) Kanye West 2023 Comeback? 

(22:26) The Movie Industry has Smashed 2022

(28:18) Kish’s Charity Walk for The Alzheimer's Society 

(28:49) London Music Events are back 

(29:55) Qatar World Cup 2022 

(36:27) Amazing Year for Music  

(39:09) What a Year for The Middle East 

(41:10) Raj & Vik’s Eventful Year 

(47:56) In-Depth SoleDXB Breakdown  

(1:34:31) Huge Shout Out to Everyone at SoleDXB

(1:48:02) Alex Seeing KRS-One Live   

Connect: 

https://www.instagram.com/rajkotecha 

https://www.instagram.com/vikmorjaria 

https://www.instagram.com/alexchristophe 

https://www.instagram.com/jesaltv

https://www.instagram.com/kishmeister

https://www.instagram.com/salmang2

https://www.rajkotecha.com/podcast

Listen and watch THE RAJ KOTECHA SHOW on all platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Stitcher, and more at https://www.rajkotecha.com/podcast

On today’s episode of ALGO Vik, Alex and I discuss:  

(00:00) Intro 

(02:17) Lovesoul X SoleDXB 

(12:31) Elon Musk Announces Big Advertisers back on Twitter  

(20:21) Elon Musk’s New AI ChatBot 

(25:05) Elon wants to punch Kanye West  

(30:15) Our Spotify 2022 Wrapped 

(35:44) UAE attracts $2.9bn in Hotel Earnings 

(43:41) Kevin Hart Announces New Tour  

(49:33) Jay-Z’s $2 Billion Law Suit 

(54:32) Switzerland’s 6-1 Loss to Portugal  

(56:57) Crazy Dubai World Cup Fan Zone Experience  

(1:03:24) UAE National Day  

(1:05:01) Shout Out Nimi Mehta  

(1:09:05) Content Recommendations   

Connect: 

https://www.instagram.com/rajkotecha 

https://www.instagram.com/vikmorjaria 

https://www.instagram.com/alexchristophe 

https://www.rajkotecha.com/ 

Listen and watch THE RAJ KOTECHA SHOW on all platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Stitcher, and more at https://www.rajkotecha.com/podcast

In today's episode of The Raj Kotecha Show we cover:

(00:00) Start

(02:30) DJ Khaled Performs in Saudi Arabia

(22:53) SoleDXB this week

(26:56) Ye Cancelled

(38:04) Nike Adidas Cut Production

(46:15) Balenciaga Fallout

(57:37) Personal Boundaries & Policies

(01:08:43) Will Smith on Trevor Noah

(01:18:16) SBF speaks to NYT

(01:21:23) Daniel Priestley on Ali Abdaal Review

(01:24:57) Jason Calacanis on Tim Ferriss

(01:25:43) Colin & Samir Mr Beast & Manager

(01:27:50) Jumeirah at Saadiyat Review

(01:30:33) Hayal at St Regis Downtown

(01:32:44) DP World's Big Tech Project

(01:37:55) Meeting JME & Lethal B

(01:42:00) Night at Honeycomb HiFi

(01:45:02) Plans for Episode 50

Connect with us

http:www.instagram.com/rajkotecha

http:www.instagram.com/vikmorjaria

http:www.instagram.com/alexchristophe

Listen to the show everywhere including Spotify, Apple Podcast or via http:www.rajkotecha.com/podcast

Packed episode with just Raj and Vik recorded the day after My Friends Your Friends at Jun's in Dubai.

(00:00) Intro

(02:00) My Friends Your Friends Recap

(03:11) Cohost shout outs

(06:20) Vik on scaling MFYF

(12:18) Team shout outs

(13:15) Food at Jun’s

(16:28) World Cup Unexpected Wins

(19:15) Watch Matches in 2 mins

(20:30) Former Disney CEO Returns

(31:05) Tom Ford sells $2.8bn

(37:40) Louis Vuitton Hotel Paris

(44:30) Diddy Launches Ciroc Yak

(48:48) Hidden Hip Hip Unicorns?

(52:06) Zomato Quits Delivery

(58:28) Rishi Sunak meets Volodymyr Zelenskyy

(01:03:10) FTX crash via Coinbase CEO on All In Podcast

(01:05:55) Did Chamath attack David Sacks?

(01:08:40) What will happen to Sam Bank Fried?

(01:11:05) Crypto exchange transparency

(01:14:40) Thesis: The Return of “the market”

(01:18:10) Recession tech talent shifts

(01:20:50) Dubai’s Best Food

(01:21:32) Gold standard restaurants

(01:24:18) Jet skiing Ride In Dubai

(01:25:00) See through Kayaking

(01:28:55) PodFest Dubai

(01:29:55) Reem from Dukkan Media

(01:32:00) Meeting Rashad from EYL

(01:38:18) Content recommendations

(01:38:33) Neal Brennan Blocks Review

(01:40:37) Ali Abdaal Daniel Priestley

In today’s episode of ALGO, it is just Alex and I discussing the announcement of the new My Friends Your Friends event happening on the 22nd of November. We also talk about Twitter and Meta laying off massive amounts of staff, and Netflix launching a £4.99/month subscription which comes with ads. Big news out in the UAE with Ras Al Khaimah confirming that the Wynn Hotel Casino will be opening in 2026. Alex and I also give our thoughts on the new Drake x 21 Savage album and Vogue suing them for using fake Vogue Magazine cover to promote their new album.  

Chapter highlights include:  

(00:00) Intro 

(02:35) My Friends Your Friends  

(05:58) Twitter, Meta & Stripe Lay Offs 

(14:52) Netflix is on Sale  

(21:38) Ras Al Khaimah Confirms Wynn Hotel Casino  

(26:45) Drake x 21 Savage Being Sued by Vogue  

(33:32) Gen Z Mom Content Creators on Twist  

(36:24) Raekwon & Ghostface Killah Kith Campaign  

(37:04) Nimesh Patel - Thank you China 

(37:33) Alex’s Reviews Rome Trip 

(42:00) Raj Out & About in Dubai 

(45:05) Shout Outs   

Register free for the next MFYF https://www.myfriendsyourfriends.com 

Connect: 

https://www.instagram.com/rajkotecha

https://www.instagram.com/vikmorjaria 

https://www.instagram.com/alexchristophe 

https://www.rajkotecha.com/ 

Listen and watch THE RAJ KOTECHA SHOW on all platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Stitcher, and more at https://www.rajkotecha.com/podcast

Huge show - just Vik and I this week. We consumed a lot of content and hit some cool spots in Dubai. RIP Takeoff. 

(00:00) No Alex
(02:16) Migos Member Takeoff Killed in Houston
25:30 Elon's Friends Join Twitter
33:55 What if Elon saves Twitter? 38:55 Twitter Brand Extention - Maps?
43:33 Twitter Wallet 47:10 Elon is good at consumer
54:50 Matt Hancock on I'm A Celebrity
1:05:25 James Cordon Uses a Ricky Gervais Joke
01:12:00 Marc Andreesen on Aarthi & Sriram Good Times
01:16:10 Chamath Palihapathia on Fixed Income in 15 Podcast
01:17:25 MKBHD on Flagrant with Andrew Schulz
01:21:00 Scott Galloway on Diary of a CEO
01:27:30 Steve Jobs & hated tech CEO's
01:32:00 Steven Bartlett Delivers a 10/10 interview
01:34:00 The Playlist on Netflix (Spotify Show)
01:37:30 Dubai Bling First Impressions
01:42:10 Toronto Birthday Shout Outs
01:48:50 Birdcage Dubai
01:49:19 Honeycomb HiFi Dubai
01:51:00 JMODE at One Life Dubai
01:53:00 DJ Crown Prince Hudson Tavern
01:56:50 Outro

Connect:
https://www.instagram.com/rajkotecha
https://www.instagram.com/vikmorjaria
https://www.instagram.com/alexchristophe
https://www.rajkotecha.com/

Listen and watch THE RAJ KOTECHA SHOW on all platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Stitcher, and more at https://www.rajkotecha.com/podcast

On today’s episode of ALGO Vik, Alex and I discuss Rishi Sunak becoming the new Prime Minister of the UK, Youtube launching handles, and Saudi Arabia announcing the lineup for the Soundstorm 2002 music festival. We also discussed the end of Nomad Capitalist's Youtube run and our jam-packed weeks and weekend in Amsterdam & Dubai.   

Chapter highlights include:  

(00:00) Intro 

(01:51) Martin Garrix, Tiesto, James Hype & more in Amsterdam

(12:45) Best Indian Restaurant in Blue Waters 

(16:25) Experience on the QE2 

(18:19) Vik’s Son Learns how to Surf 

(18:43) Diwali House Party  

(21:16) Diwali Brunch at Jumeriah Golf Estates  

(23:22) Culture Summit In Abu Dhabi with Trevor Noah

(48:15) Rishi Sunak Becomes UK's CEO 

(1:07:20) Youtube Handles Announced  

(1:22:54) Nomad Capitalist Leaves Youtube 

(1:27:22) Kanye West Loses Big Deals 

(1:33:40) Post Malone, Bruno Mars & more Announced for Saudi Arabia Music Festival

(1:40:03) Content Recommendations  

(1:44:41) Shout Outs

Connect: 

https://www.instagram.com/rajkotecha 

https://www.instagram.com/vikmorjaria 

https://www.instagram.com/alexchristophe 

https://www.rajkotecha.com/ 

Listen and watch THE RAJ KOTECHA SHOW on all platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Stitcher, and more at https://www.rajkotecha.com/podcast

On today’s episode of ALGO Vik, Alex and I discuss Jay-Z’s brand new investment, MoneyKicks getting attacked during his visit to London, and the 15% drop in MBA applicants. We also discuss what Vik and I have been busy doing in Dubai and what Alex has been up to in Amsterdam.  

Chapter highlights include:  

(00:00) Intro 

(02:17) New News Reporter  

(06:00) Out & About in Amsterdam 

(10:24) Vik’s Son Wild Cinema Party 

(16:52) Xclusive Yachts Boat Cruise 

(21:12) Secret Parties Brunch At The Taj 

(26:13) Terrible Time at Nammos 

(34:17) Mixed Feelings Smash Sinners 

(40:34) Geeks in a Bar GITEX Special 

(45:26) Taco Stars Was Booking 

(51:44) Seb Bates (Warrior Academy) Dinner 

(55:48) Jay-Z Invests in Robot Pizza Startup 

(1:02:24) MBA Applications Drop 

(1:10:52) AirPod Manufacturing in India 

(1:14:48) Money Kicks London Robbery Attempt 

(1:20:00) SoleDXB Announcer 

(1:23:29) Shout Outs 

(1:24:11) Content Recommendations

Connect: 

https://www.instagram.com/rajkotecha 

https://www.instagram.com/vikmorjaria 

https://www.instagram.com/alexchristophe 

https://www.rajkotecha.com/  

 Listen and watch THE RAJ KOTECHA SHOW on all platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Stitcher, and more at https://www.rajkotecha.com/podcast

On today’s episode of ALGO Vik, Alex and I discuss 50 cent’s concert in Dubai, Russell Peters in The Netherlands, and Inay, Vik’s son’s birthday. We also discuss Serato’s stem separation, Elon Musk launching his robot, and Kim Kardashian paying an SEC fine of 1.3 million dollars.

Chapter highlights include:  

00:00 Intro 

05:17 50 Cent at Coca-Cola Arena 

19:03 Russell Peters in The Netherlands

25:32 Serato’s new Stem Separation

44:18 Huspy Recognised at 2022 Leaders in Fintech Awards 

53:25 Wynn Hotel is coming to RAK 

1:05:14 Twitter Launches an Edit Button

1:12:48 Elon Musk Launches his Robot  

1:22:49 Kim Kardashian Pay SEC Fine 

1:29:49 Content Recommendations  

Connect: 

https://www.instagram.com/rajkotecha 

https://www.instagram.com/vikmorjaria 

https://www.instagram.com/alexchristophe 

https://www.rajkotecha.com/ 

Listen and watch THE RAJ KOTECHA SHOW on all platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Stitcher, and more at https://www.rajkotecha.com/podcast

Alex is off this week so our good friend Jesal is jumping in.  It's a great episode, especially if you love 90's hip hop!

(04:30) Vik's upcoming radio spot for International Podcasting Day
(05:58) Raj is in Zanzibar (again)
(08:04) No more masks in Dubai
(13:36) The Palm Jebal Ali is Back // Pricing in Oversupply
(22:50) Coolio Passes Away Age 59

On today’s episode of ALGO Vik, Alex and I discuss where we’ve been for the past 8 weeks and why we haven’t put out a new podcast. We dive into the Great British Pound hitting a 37-year low, and the Queen's passing. We also discuss Stormzy’s new music video, LL Cool J going off on AKADEMIKS, Kanye west leaving GAP, and more.   

Chapter highlights include: 

00:00 Intro 

02:22 Where We All Are  

07:47 Why We Didn't Record A Podcast Over Summer 

08:22 Ireland Trip 

11:04 Raj in Bali 

16:27 Raj in London 

20:51 Etihad Arena with Robin Sharma  

30:34 GBP Hits 37-Year Low 

47:41 The Queen has passed away  

58:36 Stormzy’s New Music Video 

1:10:00 LL COOL J Going Off On DJ AKADEMIKS 

1:20:14 Kanye West leaves GAP 

1:28:10 Apple Sponsors Super Bowl 

1:35:26 Outro  

Connect: 

https://www.instagram.com/rajkotecha 

https://www.instagram.com/vikmorjaria 

https://www.instagram.com/alexchristophe 

https://www.rajkotecha.com/ 

Listen and watch THE RAJ KOTECHA SHOW on all platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Stitcher, and more at https://www.rajkotecha.com/podcast

In this episode I answer questions submitted on Instagram during my vacation in Bali.  

(01:26) How to create a community

(04:46) Meeting for a cigar

(05:55) How Raj developed his taste in music

(10:25) How is Raj so Sexy (lol) 

(10:53) Red Pill vs Blue Pill (UK Politics) 

(12:02) Raising money as a creator vs a business 

(14:55) Biggest changes Raj has seen in Dubai

This show is also on Spotify, Apple Podcast, YouTube or anywhere you hear podcasts - for links visit http://www.rajkotecha.com/podcast 

Connect with Raj http://www.instagram.com/rajkotecha

On today's episode of ALGO Vik, Alex and I discuss my birthday party, our favorite highlights from the last year and we talk about how our community in Dubai has had a real and positive impact on our lives.

This is the last episode of ALGO that we will record in person together, as we leave Dubai for the summer, so we also get into the future plans for ALGO.

Chapter highlights include:

00:00 Intro

01:37 Recap of Raj’s Party

36:27 Alex’s 2022 Highlights

51:16 Vik’s 2022 Highlights

1:09:31 Raj’s 2022 Highlights

1:23:29 Shout outs

Connect:

https://www.instagram.com/rajkotecha

https://www.instagram.com/vikmorjaria

https://www.instagram.com/alexchristophe

https://www.rajkotecha.com/

Listen and watch THE RAJ KOTECHA SHOW on all platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Stitcher, and more at https://www.rajkotecha.com/podcast

On today's episode of ALGO Vik, Alex, and I discuss my birthday party AKA the biggest party of the year, TikTok going head to head with Instagram by allowing photos to be posted, Snoop Dogg’s collaboration with Eminem for Bored Ape Yacht Club at NFT NYC, Pharrell becoming the chief brand officer for doodle NFT, as well as Cristiano Ronaldo signing a multi-year NFT deal with Binance.   

Chapter highlights include:  

00:00 Intro 

02:38 Raj’s Birthday Party in Dubai 

12:15 TikTok Launches Photos 

21:28 Why some people didn't get the invite 

23:38 Cristiano Ronaldo Partners with Binance  

39:22 NFT NYC 

39:30 Snoop Dogg X Eminem X Bored Ape Yacht Club  

54:00 Pharrell Becomes Doodle's Chief Brand Officer 

1:03:11 Content Recommendations (Snoop’s Comedy Special, Beyonce’s new song, Drake’s new Album, Adam Sandler's new movie) 

1:22:00 Shout outs  

Connect: 

https://www.instagram.com/rajkotecha 

https://www.instagram.com/vikmorjaria 

https://www.instagram.com/alexchristophe 

https://www.rajkotecha.com/ 

Listen and watch THE RAJ KOTECHA SHOW on all platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Stitcher, and more at https://www.rajkotecha.com/podcast

On today’s episode of ALGO Vik, Alex and I discuss my party happening on June 25th at 1life in D3, as well as a recap of my UK trip which includes a MFYF London recap and more. We also discuss the Adidas X Ravi collaboration and some content recommendations.   

Chapter highlights include:  

00:00 Intro 

02:20 Manchester Recap  

04:29 London Recap 

14:33 Soho Radio Show  

17:04 MFYF London 

20:08 Flashback Party  

21:06 Shout out to the family  

22:03 Beats Theory Radio Show 

25:03 Vik Out & About in Dubai 2

29:30 Alex Out & About in Dubai 

31:20 Birthday Party June 25 

33:09 Adidas X Ravi Collab 

37:12 Content Recommendations (Batman, Jurassic World, Nimesh Patel Youtube Special, Raekwon’s book) 

44:42 Alex’s 1 Year Drone Showreel  

Connect: 

https://www.instagram.com/rajkotecha 

https://www.instagram.com/vikmorjaria 

https://www.instagram.com/alexchristophe 

https://www.rajkotecha.com/  

Listen and watch THE RAJ KOTECHA SHOW on all platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Stitcher, and more at https://www.rajkotecha.com/podcast

In today's episode of ALGO Vik, Alex, and I discuss the launch of our Creative Content for Brand Building Bootcamp, Elon Musk on the All-In podcast, the CEO of Instagram doing a ted talk, and Netflix potentially introducing adverts in Q4 of 2022.  

Chapter highlights include:  

00:00 Intro 

00:58 Creative Content for Brand Building Workshop and Bootcamp 

8:19 Spencer lodge’s birthday dinner 

19:16 Raj’s UK Plans 

23:44 Will Netflix Introduce Advertising? 

43:15 Instagram’s New Update 

52:39 Instagram CEO, Adam Mosseri’s Ted Talk 

1:17:31 Elon Musk on the All-In Podcast 

1:21:24 Shout outs   

Connect: 

https://www.instagram.com/rajkotecha 

https://www.instagram.com/vikmorjaria 

https://www.instagram.com/alexchristophe 

https://www.rajkotecha.com/ 

Search for THE RAJ KOTECHA SHOW on Spotify and Apple Podcast too.

On today's episode of ALGO Vik, Alex, and I discuss the return of My Friends Your Friends, Russell Peters selling out Dubai, Maroon 5 in Abu Dhabi, and Elon’s Twitter deal being on hold.

Chapter highlights include:  

00:00 Intro 

1:27 The Return of My Friends Your Friends  

18:34 Neil’s work experience  

25:52 Russell Peters sells out Dubai  

38:39 Taco Stars 

40:10 Maroon 5 in Abu Dhabi  

47:33 Creative content workshop 

48:29 Elon’s Twitter Deal on Hold  

52:06 Are #Hashtags Dead? 

59:15 Instagram Launches NFT’s  

1:04:11 Emirates Launches Premium Economy  

1:12:22 Content Recommendations (Kendrick Lamar, Cristiano Ronaldo, Pete Davidson)  

Connect: https://www.instagram.com/rajkotecha 

https://www.instagram.com/vikmorjaria 

https://www.instagram.com/alexchristophe 

https://www.rajkotecha.com/ 

Search for THE RAJ KOTECHA SHOW on Spotify and Apple Podcast too.

Another great episode of ALGO. Check out the highlights below for everything we spoke about.  

Chapter highlights include:  

(00:00) INTRO
(01:38) OUT & ABOUT IN DUBAI
(01:50) PIZZAS AT AKIBA DORI
(07:33) RUSH RACING
(10:12) SMASHING PLATES AT OPA
(15:35) NEWS FROM THE WEEK
(15:46) MY FRIENDS YOUR FRIENDS IS BACK
(17:12) CREATIVE CONTENT FOR BRAND BUILDING COURSE ANNOUNCEMENT
(20:06) ELON ACTUALLY BUYS TWITTER
(27:20) CONTENT RECOMMENDATIONS  
(27:33) BRIAN ARMSTRONG'S INTERVIEW ON THE ALL-IN PODCAST
(30:23) SUNDAR PICHAI'S INTERVIEW AT STANFORD UNIVERSITY
(34:55) SOLE DXB DATES ANNOUNCED
(36:04) SHOUT OUTS
(38:31) UPDATE ON ALEX'S KNEE  

REGISTER FOR MY FRIENDS YOUR FRIENDS:
https://myfriendsyourfriends.com/

Connect: 

https://www.instagram.com/rajkotecha
https://www.instagram.com/vikmorjaria
https://www.instagram.com/alexchristophe
https://www.rajkotecha.com/  

Search for RAJ KOTECHA on YouTube to watch this episode.

Today Vik and I discuss Dubai's biggest visa overhaul and how we think that will impact Dubai in Q4, Netflix's share price crashing and why you should keep an eye on Spotify. We also give you our (mostly musical) content recommendations for the week and Vik eats a burger.   

Chapter highlights include:

00:00 INTRO
01:01 WE GOT GUILT BURGER
02:57 OUT & ABOUT IN DUBAI
03:09 MONKEY BAR DUBAI REVIEW (25HOURS HOTEL ONE CENTRAL)
10:17 SECRET RESTAURANT SOFT LAUNCH
14:59 RAJ IS OK WITH MOTOR CITY
19:13 SPOTIFY: HOW AND WHY TO PAY ATTENTION
34:35 NETFLIX GETTING CRUSHED
44:53 DUBAI’S NEW VISA
51:52 DUBAI Q4 PREDICTIONS
53:39 SOLE DXB 2022 COMEBACK
1:01:17 RAJ’S RETURN TO LONDON
1:02:35 CONTENT RECOMMENDATIONS
1:02:40 SNOOP DOGG ON DRINK CHAMPS
1:07:18 KENDRICK LAMAR, PUSHA T, FUTURE & BLACK STAR ALBUM RELEASE DATES
1:09:24 ELON MUSK’S TED INTERVIEWS
1:11:18 CRAIG DAVID’S DIARY OF A CEO INTERVIEW WITH STEVEN BARTLETT
1:11:45 SHOUT OUTS

Special thanks to Guilt Burger for the amazing lunch.   

Connect:
https://www.instagram.com/rajkotecha
https://www.instagram.com/vikmorjaria
https://www.instagram.com/alexchristophe
https://www.rajkotecha.com/

Search for RAJ KOTECHA on YouTube to watch this episode.

This week Vik and I sit down to discuss the insane amount of restaurants we visited because we've had family in town. Also a huge coffee and dessert controversy at Sushi Samba, Alex getting his knee operated on, Raj's plans to visit London and Bali and Elon buying a huge stake in Twitter.

An incredibly tough episode as this week we lost Maya, Raj’s cat suddenly.  The first 15 minutes or so covers that for the many people that knew her or followed her on Raj’s Instagram.  After that, we’re covering all the big moments of the week.

Chapter highlights include:  

00:00 SCENE ZERO 

00:37 MAYA'S PASSING 

16:29 OUT & ABOUT IN DUBAI 

28:37 EXPO CLOSING PARTY 

40:27 WILL AND CHRIS MEDIA FALL OUT 

44:34 ALEX'S KNEE 

48:50 CONTENT RECOMMENDATIONS 

1:00:28 SHOUTOUTS

Connect: 

https://www.instagram.com/rajkotecha 

https://www.instagram.com/vikmorjaria 

https://www.instagram.com/alexchristophe 

https://www.rajkotecha.com/  

Search for THE RAJ KOTECHA SHOW on Spotify and Apple Podcast too.

This moment opens up an ugly can of worms about the lives and pressures of men across all levels of achievement and socio-economic backgrounds. Will Smith slapping Chris Rock at the Grammy's 2022 is about pressure, body image, PR spin and so much more.  We discuss it here in an emergency podcast.  

00:00 Welcome 

00:13 Why we made this episode 

00:45 The level of violence 

03:04 Reactions 

05:50 What did Chris Rock almost say? 

08:53 A huge Mental Health moment 

11:21 What is Will Smith going through? 

13:55 Will told "Women bring out rage in you" 

18:09 Will's acceptance speech breakdown  

26:00 A Bittersweet Acceptance? 

30:57 Shout outs

Connect:

https://www.instagram.com/rajkotecha

https://www.instagram.com/alexchristophe

https://www.rajkotecha.com/podcast

In today's episode of The Raj Kotecha Show, we have Alex and Vik on for ALGO (A Lot Going On). Below are some of the rapid-fire things we speak about. 

0:00 SCENE ZERO 

2:41 OUT & ABOUT IN DUBAI 

4:05 RAJ AND VIK ON HOSTMASTERS

9:01 @KISHMEISTER PODCAST PREVIEW 

21:05 INSTAGRAM UPDATES ITS FEED 

26:24 UK INFLATION 

37:56 EXPO COMING TO A CLOSE 

47:28 CONTENT RECOMMENDATIONS 

Connect: 

https://www.instagram.com/rajkotecha

https://www.instagram.com/vikmorjaria

https://www.instagram.com/alexchristophe 

https://www.rajkotecha.com/ 

Content recommendations:  

Lewis Howes x Kobe Bryant: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WY0wONSarXA 

Girl_Gone_Crypto: https://www.instagram.com/girl_gone_crypto/

Top Boy is on Netflix  

Alux.com: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Awy_4FcqnVU

Mac Budkowski: https://mirror.xyz/0x3e6c23CdAa52B1B6621dBb30c367d16ace21F760/fiL78WcLUWbMnfzczP2TzRHrtnJLLhD_owkl3eR6U-s

Naval Ravikant: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UiyowdUD62c 

Alux.com: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Awy_4FcqnVU&list=WL&index=41 Search for 

THE RAJ KOTECHA SHOW on Spotify and Apple Podcast too.