Episodes

  • Season One Finale: The Power of Movement, Identity, and Human Connection
    Feb 27 2025

    In this face-to-face season finale episode of Forward_Moves, co-hosts Lina Nahhas and Raja Haddad open up about the origins of the podcast and their shared mission to celebrate art, creativity, and human connection.

    From the emotional depth of music to the transformative power of gratitude, this conversation explores how awareness and movement shape our identities and relationships.

    🔍 What’s Inside:
    - Raja’s perspective on movement—how life is always in motion and the importance of flowing with its joys and challenges
    - Lina’s journey from the corporate world to founding The Sameness Project—a social innovation movement fostering empathy and connection
    - Why gratitude, awareness, and mentorship are essential for navigating life’s challenges

    Through intimate stories and reflective insights, this episode is a heartfelt reminder that life moves forward—and it’s up to us to embrace the journey.

    👉 Watch now for a deep dive into art, identity, and the human spirit.

    #Forward_Moves #HumanConnection #Art #Identity #Gratitude #Movement #NewPodcast #NewEpisode #ArabicArt #ArabicCommunity #UAE #Dubai

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    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forward_moves/
    X: https://x.com/forward_moovz
    Lina’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lina_movements/
    Raja’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/octoraj/

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    41 mins
  • Letting Go & Finding Purpose with Dina Ghandour
    Feb 20 2025

    Is success about pushing harder—or knowing when to surrender? In this episode of Forward_Moves, hosts Lina Nahhas & Raja Haddad talk to Dina Ghandour, a wellness expert and entrepreneur, about her journey from corporate PR to yoga, energy healing, and conscious entrepreneurship.

    Dina now leads yoga sessions, workshops, and retreats worldwide. As a certified Usui Reiki master, she specializes in energy healing and is a skilled womb and fertility massage therapist, helping women reconnect with their bodies.

    In this episode, she shares:
    ✨ How yoga changed her life from age 15
    ✨ Her leap from corporate PR to founding yApparel
    ✨ Navigating uncertainty & embracing change
    ✨ The commercialization of yoga & staying authentic
    ✨ Breaking societal norms & finding true belonging
    A powerful conversation on growth, resilience, and redefining success. Watch now!

    🔔 Like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring stories!


    Follow us:
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forward_moves/
    X: https://x.com/forward_moovz
    Lina’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lina_movements/
    Raja’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/octoraj/
    Follow Dina: https://www.instagram.com/wellnesswithdina/?hl=en


    Chapters:
    00:00 Introduction: The Power of Music
    02:29 Meet Dina Ghandour
    03:11 Dina's Journey: From UAE to the US
    03:48 Discovering Yoga: A Life-Changing VHS
    08:49 Transition to Entrepreneurship
    15:52 Challenges and Reflections
    21:06 The Evolution of Yoga Practice
    23:22 The Shift from Community to Commodity
    24:35 The Impact of Modern Life on Well-being
    27:15 Exploring Artistic Expression
    30:29 The Role of Rebellion in Self-Expression
    33:51 Questions from the Audience
    37:06 Reflecting on Belonging and Community
    41:35 Creating a New Online Space
    42:49 Closing Words

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    43 mins
  • Reinventing Creativity: Omar Al Gurg's Design Philosophy
    Feb 13 2025

    What does it mean to create? Emirati designer and entrepreneur Omar Al Gurg, founder of Modu Method, believes everything is a reinvention—an evolution of what already exists. In this episode of Forward_Moves, hosts Lina Nahhas and Raja Haddad explore Omar’s journey of balancing architecture, furniture design, and storytelling while drawing inspiration from his Arab roots and global experiences.

    Here’s what you’ll learn:
    🔹 Creativity & Reinvention – Is anything truly new?
    🔹 The Power of Tactile Design – How sensory experiences shape our world.
    🔹 Balancing Business & Art – Merging structure with freeform creativity.
    🔹 Nature & Playfulness – How solitude, curiosity, and the natural world fuel creativity.
    🔹 The Boldness of the ‘70s – Why Omar admires this era for its fearless self-expression.

    From childhood museum visits to shaping the future of sustainable design, Omar’s story is a testament to curiosity, adaptability, and passion.

    🎧 Tune in for a deep dive into the intersections of art, business, and personal growth. ✨

    #Design #Creativity #Entrepreneurship #Forward_Moves #SustainableDesign #Architecture #InteriorDesign #EmiratiDesigner #Dubai #UAE


    Follow us:
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forward_moves/
    X: https://x.com/forward_moovz
    Lina’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lina_movements/
    Raja’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/octoraj/
    Follow Omar: https://www.instagram.com/oalgurg/?hl=en

    Chapters:
    00:00 Introduction
    01:32 Influence Of the ‘80s
    02:18 Omar AlGurk's Background
    03:45 Creative Philosophy and Challenges
    06:22 Balancing Creativity and Business
    09:34 The Role of Sensory Experience
    18:20 Navigating Client Relationships
    22:47 Maintaining Work-Life Balance
    23:29 Struggling with Work-Life Balance
    23:50 Finding Stillness in Nature
    26:44 The Importance of Alone Time
    27:00 Living in Dubai and the Need for Solitude
    29:04 The Healing Power of Activities
    31:02 Books and Their Influence
    37:12 Mentorship and Community
    42:22 Advice to the Younger Self
    44:19 Concluding Thoughts

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    46 mins
  • Amrita Sethi On The Intersection Of Art, Tech And Personal Transformation
    Feb 6 2025

    Can sound become art? Can technology reshape storytelling? 🎨🎧

    In this episode of Forward_Moves, hosts Lina Nahhas & Raja Haddad sit down with Amrita Sethi, a former banker turned award-winning digital artist and an NFT artist in the UAE. She pioneered Soundbite Art, blending AR, VR, and blockchain to bring sound waves to life in visual form. 🌊

    From a career in banking to pioneering digital art, Amrita shares:
    ✅ How a retreat in Goa reignited her creativity
    ✅ Navigating traditional art vs. crypto spaces
    ✅ The concept behind Bucket Monsters and personal growth

    An inspiring conversation on art, technology, and NFTs—don’t miss it!

    🔔 Like, comment & subscribe for more!

    #Forward_Moves #AmritaSethi #NFTArt #DigitalArt #AR #Blockchain #Creativity #ArabicArt #Art #ArabicCulture #inspiration #uae #dubai #soundbite


    chapters:
    00:00 Introduction
    02:46 Amrita Sethi's Background
    05:10 Journey into Economics and Banking
    07:33 Spiritual Awakening and Artistic Rediscovery
    11:27 The Birth of Soundbite Art
    15:34 Navigating the Art and Tech Worlds
    20:44 Challenges and Success in the NFT Space
    24:07 The Gatekeeping of Traditional Art
    24:56 Embracing the Crypto World
    25:58 The Fine Line Between Chasing and Attracting
    27:50 Navigating the Art and Tech Fusion
    31:13 The Concept of Soundscapes
    38:55 The Bucket Monsters Analogy
    43:59 The Role of Tech in Art
    49:03 Final Thoughts and Reflections

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    51 mins
  • Radical Honesty in Music: The Journey of Karrouhat
    Jan 30 2025

    🌟 Meet The Mind Behind Karrouhat 🎶

    This episode of forward_moves explores the journey of the musical project Karrouhat, which beautifully fuses Arabic heritage with global sounds. Hosted by Lina Nahhas and Raja Haddad, the conversation dives into balancing a career in telecom engineering while crafting music with friends to performing on global stages like Paris Fashion Week.

    🎧 Why should you tune in?
    - Discover how childhood, family values, and a love for Arabic pop shaped creativity
    - Hear the inspiring story of how a last-minute DJ set led to a groundbreaking Arabic music experience.
    - Learn about the philosophy of "radical honesty" and how it fuels authenticity in life and art.
    - Get an inside look at the upcoming project, “Back to Home,” which reflects the return to roots and creative essence.

    🎙️Tune in for an inspiring journey of music, heritage, and authenticity with Karrouhat! 🎶

    #forward_moves #Karrouhat #ArabicMusic #Authenticity #MusicJourney #podcast #musicpodcast #arabicculture



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    Lina’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lina_movements/
    Raja’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/octoraj/
    Follow Karrouhat: https://www.instagram.com/karrouhat/?hl=en

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    49 mins
  • Strings and Inspiration: How Stefania Nazzal Creates Art from the Everyday
    Jan 23 2025

    Step into the world of Stefania Nazzal, where vibrant colors collide with tactile textures to create sensory masterpieces!

    Our hosts Lina Nahhas and Raja Haddad dive into Stefania’s artistic journey—from her fascination with numbers to her unique approach with materials like strings and everyday objects.

    🔑 What you’ll learn:
    -How Stefania’s deep connection with numbers shapes her art
    -The art of transforming everyday materials into thought-provoking pieces
    -Breaking free from comfort zones and embracing creative evolution
    -Overcoming challenges and staying authentic in a competitive art world

    Get ready to be inspired by her story of perseverance, reinvention, and artistic passion!
    Like, comment, and follow to keep up with the latest insights from the world of art and creativity! 🎧💬


    Follow us:
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forward_moves/
    X: https://x.com/forward_moovz
    Lina’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lina_movements/
    Raja’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/octoraj/
    Follow Stefania: https://www.instagram.com/stefania.nazzal/

    chapters:
    00:00 Introduction
    00:55 Welcome to Forward Moves
    01:19 Meet Stefania Nazzal
    03:59 The Influence of Numbers in Art
    05:51 Living in Different Cultures
    07:13 Artistic Inspirations and Transitions
    09:50 Early Career and Education
    13:46 The Role of Material in Art
    16:06 Unscripted Questions from Friends
    17:09 The Rainbow Phenomenon
    21:33 Evolving Artistic Meanings
    22:19 Impact on Dubai's Creative Community
    22:38 Facing Criticism and Copycats
    24:13 Navigating the Art Market
    27:55 Organic Growth in the U.S.
    31:25 Balancing Creativity and Commerce
    34:11 Stepping Out of the Comfort Zone
    37:17 Advice to Younger Self and Future Artists
    38:34 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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    40 mins
  • Curiosity, Resilience, and Trust: the codes of Ayman Fakoussa
    Jan 16 2025

    Discover the Secrets to Luxury Branding with Ayman Fakoussa 🌟

    In this episode of Forward_Moves, hosts Lina Nahhas and Raja Haddad explore the successful journey of Ayman Fakoussa, co-founder of The Qode, Dubai’s leading luxury brand communications agency. Ayman shares how he turned personal challenges into opportunities, built his network of support, and reshaped luxury branding in the Middle East.

    ✨ Highlights:

    • Launching The Qode during a pivotal moment in the industry.
    • Fostering team motivation and long-term client relationships.
    • Resilience, emotional management, and staying composed under pressure.
    • The power of trust, curiosity, and adaptability in business and life.

    🎥 Tune in for invaluable insights into entrepreneurship, leadership, and overcoming challenges!

    #LuxuryBranding #Entrepreneurship #Resilience #Forward_Moves #TheQode #Marketing #LuxuryMarketing #EventManagement #Podcast #NewPodcast #Inspiration #SuccessStory


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    Lina’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lina_movements/

    Raja’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/octoraj/

    Follow Ayman: https://www.instagram.com/aymanfakoussa/?hl=en

    Follow The Qode: https://www.instagram.com/theqode/?hl=en



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    41 mins
  • Unpredictable, Authentic, and Vibrant: Mariam Yehia on Redefining Fashion
    Jan 9 2025

    Welcome back to another exciting episode of Forward_Moves! 🎙️ This week, your hosts Lina Nahhas and Raja Haddad sit down with the talented Mariam Yehia, creator of the acclaimed fashion label Mrs. Keepa. Mariam opens up about her path to success, the challenges she overcame, and how her cultural duality shaped her unique voice in the world of fashion.

    🔑 Here’s what you’ll hear in this episode:

    • Mariam’s Background: Growing up in a French-Egyptian household, balancing two vibrant cultures, and how this influenced her creative perspective.
    • The Story of Mrs. Keepa: From a personal nickname to a celebrated brand blending eclectic, multicultural influences.
    • Lessons in Creativity: Why an organic, unstructured approach has been key to Mariam’s authentic success.
    • Personal Growth: Reflecting on pivotal moments, embracing her identity, and finding inspiration in life’s unpredictability.

    Mariam also shares her philosophy on fashion as a storytelling medium, the power of cultural heritage, and the importance of staying curious and unpredictable in both life and creativity.

    🎧 Tune in now to uncover the stories, lessons, and inspirations behind Mariam’s journey and the legacy of Mrs. Keepa.

    🌟 Don’t forget to subscribe and share this episode with your friends. Let’s keep moving forward!

    #Forward_Moves #MariamYehia #MrsKeepa #FashionAndCulture #CreativeDesign #CulturalHeritage #StorytellingThroughFashion #PodcastEpisodes #Inspiration #Fashion #Designer #ArabicCulture


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    X: https://x.com/forward_moovz

    Lina’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lina_movements/

    Raja’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/octoraj/

    Follow Mariam: https://www.instagram.com/mrskeepa/?hl=en

    Follow Mrs Keepa: https://www.instagram.com/mrskeepaofficial/?hl=en



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    46 mins