Curated Advice on Better Living
By Khaled Soltan
Curated Advice on Better LivingDec 16, 2021
#30: Creative Passion, Navigating Difficult Client’s - Johnatan Machado
Contact:
Email: curatedadviceonbetterliving@gmail.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/thekhaledsoltan/
#29: Space Exploration: Evidence of Life Beyond Earth? What planet will Humans Live on? - Dr. James Green (NASA)
Instagram: www.instagram.com/thekhaledsoltan
Contact: Email: curatedadviceonbetterliving@gmail.com
#28: Autism: How One Mother Turned Struggle into Positive Impact - Hasna Nada
Contact: Email: curatedadviceonbetterliving@gmail.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/thekhaledsoltan/
#27: Artist Management & Casting: Reflecting on 14 Years (Valuable Advice!) - Shahd Ahmed (@thisisshoosh)
Shahd Ahmed, also known as @thisisshoosh on social media, has over 14 years of experience in events and production in the UAE and Qatar for some of the biggest brands. It would be too long to list them. She recently started The Abstract Agency and was the casting director for the official FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 TV commercial and was part of the first and second edition of Qatar Creates.
In this episode, Shahd is candid about her journey, the challenges, and everything in between. From models fainting last minute at fashion shows to the challenge of being a woman in this male-dominated industry and the importance for social media personalities to take more responsibility when sharing content, Shahd shares her highlights along with the lessons learned along the way. If you want to support the podcast, please leave a review! Don't forget to subscribe and hit that notification bell to stay updated on new episodes.
Contact:
Email: curatedadviceonbetterliving@gmail.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekhaledsoltan/
#26: It Didn't Start with You: How Inherited Family Trauma Shapes Who We Are and How to End the Cycle - Ali El Dali
This is part two of my conversation with Ali El Dali. If you're back for another raw conversation on life and all things better living, Ali's got a great and interesting perspective. We discuss a range of topics: from insights from the book It Didn’t Start with You: Overcoming Generational Trauma by Mark Wolynn and why it's important to end generational the cycle, the importance of being curious as a podcaster, and Ali's idea to start a podcast on the human experiences. Thank you for taking the time to listen. If you want to support the podcast please leave a review. In the previous episode #25 part one, we get into self-talk and how to rewire your brain with practical advice on affirmations, manifestations, and so on.
Contact:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekhaledsoltan/
#25: Power of Thoughts: Psychosomatic Theory Explained - Ali El Dali
Contact:
Email: curatedadviceonbetterliving@gmail.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/thekhaledsoltan/
#24: Important Mindset Shift for Creatives with Hard Rock Band Winterburn - Naser Mestarihi
This is part two of my conversation with Naser Mestarihi the vocalist and lead guitarist for the hard rock band Winterburn. He's been a musician for nearly two decades, and in 2010 he became the first to officially release a rock album out of Qatar. The views expressed by my guests are not always reflective of my own. The podcast is a space for a variety of perspectives. If you want to support the podcast, please consider sharing it. Subscribe and hit the notification bell for more free content!
Contact:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekhaledsoltan/
Email: curatedadviceonbetterliving@gmail.com
Relevant Links: https://www.thewinterburn.com
#23: How the Modern Music Industry Actually Works (Truth!) with Hard Rock Band Winterburn - Naser Mestarihi
Contact:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/thekhaledsoltan/
Email: curatedadviceonbetterliving@gmail.com
Relevant Links:
www.thewinterburn.com
#22: I Taught a Workshop on How to Start Your Own Podcast (Take Notes!) - Solo Episode
Contact:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/thekhaledsoltan/
Email: curatedadviceonbetterliving@gmail.com
Relevant Links:
radicalfutures.qatar.vcu.edu/contributors/khaled-soltan/
#21: Selling Planes to the World & Valuable Life Advice - Cristiano Carvalho
Contact:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/thekhaledsoltan/
Email: curatedadviceonbetterliving@gmail.com
Relevant Links:
www.embraercommercialaviation.com
www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/japan-drinking-business-culture-why-getting-drunk-is-so-important-a7736946.html
www.daytranslations.com/blog/culture-nuance-business/
#20: Being an Actor on a TV Show (About Cinema/عن السينما). Why Men Struggle to Express Emotions? - Abood
Abood is an actor on a popular TV show (About Cinema/عن السينما) on the Al Jazeera Media Network. The conversation kicks off with an in-depth look at personality. What was the process of being cast for the show? What it's like being on set? What are some valuable things he's learned along the way? All this and more on the episode. Abood also shares an interesting perspective on what the martial art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can teach us about life and the importance of resilience. Including life wisdom by our coach Tacio Carneiro that impacted his life. Near the end, we have a difficult conversation on mental health. Why is it so hard for men to express their emotions? Let's start having these discussions! It was a raw and insightful conversation with a talented and self-aware guy. If you want to support the podcast, consider sharing it with a friend! Don't forget to subscribe and hit that notification bell to stay updated on a new episode every Thursday.
Contact:
Email: curatedadviceonbetterliving@gmail.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekhaledsoltan/
Relevant Links:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKkye9ohYQ4Q7D2eD1wIjUQ
#19: Metaverse, NFTs & Blockchain. What Does the Future Look Like? - Wasim Ahmed
Contact:
Email: curatedadviceonbetterliving@gmail.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/thekhaledsoltan/
Relevant Links:
www.metavisionaries.io
www.instagram.com/metavisionaries.io/
twitter.com/metavisionaries
discord.com/invite/AFydMW2Qe7
www.linkedin.com/in/wasim-ahmed-ahmeys/?originalSubdomain=uk
www.instagram.com/itswasimahmed/
#18: Nightmare in Somalia: Surviving a Bombing, Driving Through Red Zone & Pirates? - Buzaki Hayir
Buzaki Hayir is a Somali living in the diaspora. He grew up in Qatar then moved to India, where he lived as an international student for over a decade. We begin our discussion with his experiences, racist encounters, and unforgettable lessons he learned along the way. Besides, what does he mean by the "tax of living in India"? The first part of the conversation was only the warm-up, things go from 0-100 quick! Buzaki details his trip to Somalia after 30 years of being abroad. Let's just say things went wrong from the moment he landed! One of the traumatic incidents included a bomb that went off outside his hotel room. "Bombs aren't like how they are in the movies. I saw metal melting everywhere. It was crazy!" Also, I had to ask him, what's the truth about the pirates? This was a wild conversation with a great guy. If you want to support the podcast, please consider sharing it with a friend. Don't forget to subscribe and hit that notification bell to stay updated on a new episode!
Contact:
Email: curatedadviceonbetterliving@gmail.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekhaledsoltan/
#17: Downside of Mainstream Education & How Can We Rethink School? (Synthesis by Elon Musk & Scandinavian Model) - Kim Wyatt (Mama Baba Ganoush)
Kim Wyatt is an Australian media personality and TV presenter. Kim rose to popularity in Qatar as a prominent food writer, using the name 'mama baba ganoush.' I first interviewed Kim on the radio, but this time nothing is off-limits! We discussed Kim's misconceptions before moving to the middle east over a decade ago. She opens up on what it was like to study history in Australia, from Aborigines to Western education's lack of Islamic history. Kim, who has two young boys, discusses the downside of mainstream education which she believes fails to address children's needs. How can we rethink school? We look into the different approaches, including Synthesis school by Elon Musk and the various Scandinavian models. We also get into the ugly side of social media and what living in the Middle East has taught her. If you want to support the podcast, consider sharing it with a friend. Don't forget to subscribe and hit that notification bell to stay updated on new episodes!
Contact:
Email: curatedadviceonbetterliving@gmail.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekhaledsoltan/
Relevant Links:
#16: Tough Times in Kosovo, Being an Actress & Importance of 'Besa' for Albanians? - Gentë Retkoceri
Gentë Retkoceri is a professor of acting and an experienced film and theater actress. Gentë has been acting in different drama plays in theaters across East and West Europe, USA, and has also been part of the National Theater of Kosovo. We begin with what it was like growing up in Kosovo during the Serbian occupation. Many of the plays and projects Gentë acts in are based on heavy topics and Albanian culture: from a tragic true story on human trafficking to the role of honor in blood feuds and the importance of 'besa' for Albanians which is a pledge of honor or keeping a promise. Gentë shares a brilliant blueprint for anyone who teaches a class or conducts a workshop! Finally, as a mother of two young kids, Gentë speaks openly and honestly about the difficulties of being a parent and disciplining children. If you want to support the podcast, consider sharing it with a friend. Don't forget to subscribe and hit that notification bell to stay updated on a new episode every Thursday!
Contact:
Email: curatedadviceonbetterliving@gmail.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekhaledsoltan/
Relevant Links:
https://www.instagram.com/gentaretkoceri/?hl=en
#15: I Hate my 9-5! How to Become a Digital Nomad? - Aida Al Barwani
Aida Al Barwani is a Freelance Marketing Consultant. She started working on major marketing projects in Dubai and has been a digital nomad for the past decade. The meaning of digital nomad is someone who performs their occupation entirely over the Internet while traveling; a person who has no permanent fixed home address. In this episode, Aida shares her insights and advice on how to move from working in an office to becoming fully independent. For many people, this is a dream, including myself. Many of us want to be free to roam. Should you quit your 9-5? And if you do, what can you expect? Aida shares her experience on what it's like, both good and bad. There's a lot of value in this conversation, and it was eye-opening. If you want to support the podcast, consider sharing it with a friend! Don't forget to subscribe and hit that notification bell to stay updated on a new episode.
Contact:
Email: curatedadviceonbetterliving@gmail.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekhaledsoltan/
Relevant Links:
#14: Wild Dirt-bike Adventures & Teacher's Perspective on What this Young Generation is Like? - Michael Anderson
Contact:
Email: curatedadviceonbetterliving@gmail.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/thekhaledsoltan/
Relevant Links:
www.instagram.com/michaelmx8/?hl=en
#13: I Lost Momentum, How Do I Get it Back? (12 Simple Ways) & Funny Stories
On this solo episode, I look at a list from a blog titled "12 Simple Ways to Build Momentum" from Becoming Minimalist - sharing my comments and suggestions along the way. Like many others, I went into 2022 ready-to-go, but January had other plans. That's life, we need to master the art of getting back into the groove or flow, so I have been searching for ways to do that. These are some practical and simple ways you can build momentum again. As an added bonus, I also share funny stories and examples from my life and people I know with an inspirational message at the end. All that and more on this episode! Please rate the show and share it with someone who might benefit. Let's build this community!
Contact:
Email: curatedadviceonbetterliving@gmail.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekhaledsoltan/
Relevant Links:
https://www.becomingminimalist.com/if-you-build-it/
https://www.strengthside.com/?r_done=1
https://tim.blog/geek-to-freak/
http://gretchenrubin.com/happiness_project/2009/08/make-your-bed/
https://www.fastcompany.com/3013856/why-productive-people-get-up-insanely-early
#12: Friend Circle is Getting Smaller, Law of Attraction & Letting People Go - Moby Buhmaid
#11: Benefits of Journaling, Different Approaches & How to Start (Complete Guide!)
This episode is different than the usual format. It's a solo episode and a complete guide on one of the easiest, cheapest, and most versatile self-help tools you can do, which is the art of journaling. There is a lot of confusion and hesitation when it comes to people not knowing how to approach this simple habit. I'll clear all of that in this episode. I highly recommend journaling to everyone I know, and I have been doing it for years because it continues to improve my life drastically. In this episode, I get into the benefits of journaling, the different approaches, going in with the right mindset, and everything you need to know to get you started. One of the things I covered in the approaches section of the episode is morning pages from Artist's Way by Julia Cameron. I also look at Marcus Aurelius, a Roman emperor and a stoic philosopher whose work is still admired by many today. We talk about the night journal, something many therapists often recommend for people struggling to sleep due to overthinking and anxiety. I also touch on Dr. Jordan Peterson's Self-Authoring Program, an online structured program that has helped me tremendously. All that and more on this episode! If you found value, please rate the show and share it with someone who might also benefit. Good luck!
Contact:
Email: curatedadviceonbetterliving@gmail.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekhaledsoltan/
Relevant Links:
https://highexistence.com/journal-marcus-aurelius/
https://www.developgoodhabits.com/start-journaling/
https://www.healthline.com/health/best-guided-journals#how-people-use-it
https://dailystoic.com/the-most-important-ritual-you-can-practice-this-year/
#10: Climate Activist Responds to Episode 7: Climate Change Denial is an Existential Threat - Neeshad Shafi
Neeshad Shafi is a climate activist considered one of the 'World 100 Most Influential People in Climate Policy' by Apolitical. He's also the Co-Founder & Executive Director of the Arab Youth Climate Movement, the first registered non-profit association focusing on climate change in Qatar. This conversation is a response to the claims made by Mikhail Tretyak on episode #7, and Neeshad came prepared with an impressive list of counter-arguments. We begin with excessive carbon in the atmosphere and the link between abnormal weather events and the increasing rate of natural disasters. Then, we move on to the truth about afforestation efforts and Mikhail citing NASA satellite images to claim the world is getting greener. We unpack what it means for Qatar to host the first carbon-neutral FIFA World Cup in 2022. Can the climate fund help less developed countries transition to renewable energy? What is carbon capture, and is it a viable solution? What about the carbon credit system? And will millions of people die if we go net-zero? I asked Neeshad about his experience attending the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 21) when the historic Paris agreement was signed and Trump pulling the United States out of the agreement. He also touches on Mikhail's comments on Greta Thunberg and details when an African climate activist, Vanessa Nakate, was cropped out of an Associated Press picture. Neeshad urges more youth in the region to get involved and perhaps attend (COP 27), which will take place in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, and (COP 28) in the United Arab Emirates. Finally, we end with the notion of individual shaming, suitability lifestyle as a trend, and how beach clean-ups send the wrong message.
The views of my guests are not always reflective of my own. The podcast is a space for open dialogue and a variety of perspectives. If you want to support the podcast, please consider sharing it! Don’t forget to subscribe for more free content.
Contact:
Email: curatedadviceonbetterliving@gmail.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekhaledsoltan/
Relevant Links:
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is the United Nations body for assessing the science related to climate change. - https://www.ipcc.ch/
Climate Change: How Do We Know? https://climate.nasa.gov/evidence/
Global Climate change, Vital Signs https://climate.nasa.gov/
Tracing Big Oil’s PR war to delay action on climate change
https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2021/09/oil-companies-discourage-climate-action-study-says/
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change https://unfccc.int/
Net Zero by 2050, A Roadmap for the Global Energy Sector https://www.iea.org/reports/net-zero-2050
Qatar targets 25% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 under climate plan https://www.reuters.com/business/cop/qatar-targets-25-cut-greenhouse-gas-emissions-by-2030-climate-change-plan-2021-10-28/
#9: Mental Health: Getting a Dog, Powerlifting & Therapy. What Happened to Sit Down with Seth? - Ahmad Abbas (Seth)
Contact:
Email: curatedadviceonbetterliving@gmail.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/thekhaledsoltan/
Relevant Links:
www.instagram.com/sitdownwithseth/
www.youtube.com/channel/UCENDu5qMFtD6DGNx-GwEOIA
www.instagram.com/force_sports/
www.instagram.com/unmutedshow/
www.betterhelp.com
#8: Intimacy & Sexuality Coach: Honest Relationship Advice & Why You Need a Pleasure Practice? - Anca Stefania Iorgulescu
Anca Stefania is a Romanian intimacy and sexuality coach working with men and women to help them be the best version of themselves. In the realm of healing and growth, there's nothing she doesn't do, from teaching yoga to hosting full-moon women circles. Anca has traveled far and wide to seek enlightenment, going to expensive retreats in Europe to living at a Buddhist temple. But then, a monk taught her there's no such thing as a single moment of enlightenment; instead, it's a daily process hence why we all need a pleasure practice. An incredibly raw discussion where we even discussed our past relationships and unhealthy family dynamics. We covered many things self-development, including intergenerational trauma, masculine and feminine nature, feminism and gender roles in society, archetypes by Carl Jung - lots of great advice for men and women. We also get a women's perspective on why she thinks there's a disconnect between men and women in modern dating, something my guest Ahmed Shaheen brought up in episode 4. I learned a bunch recording this episode, and I'm sure you will too!
Please give us a review, and don't forget to subscribe for more free content!
Contact:
Email: curatedadviceonbetterliving@gmail.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekhaledsoltan/
Relevant Links:
https://www.instagram.com/ancastefaniaiorgulescu/
https://podcasts.apple.com/qa/podcast/the-healer-hub/id1600503362
#7: Fear & Loathing in China (Wild Story!), Why Greta Thunberg & Environmentalists Are Wrong? - Mikhail Tretyak
#6: Radio Culture in Philippines, Dangers of Adult Film Industry, Scuba Diving - Dianne Matibag (DJ Chloe)
#5: Gastric Sleeve Surgery to Competing in CrossFit Competitions, What Losing his Father Taught Him? - Jassim Al-Shamali
#4: Being a Radio Host (Truth!) Modern Dating: Why Relationships Fail? - Ahmed Shaheen
Ahmed Shaheen is a radio host based in Qatar. Ahmed tells us the truth on how he got started in radio at the age of 18, nearly a decade ago. He reflects on his beginnings, lessons learned, and the challenge of doing live on-air interviews with some guests. Do radio hosts put on a personality? I also asked him for the weirdest request he got from a listener and how his attempt to help backfired. The conversation shifts when I ask him about the political turmoil in Sudan. How does he identify as someone with a Sudanese background? African? Arab? Or both? This leads to a discussion on home and identity in the diaspora. He shares his experiences dating as a man in his 30’s and why he believes there’s a misunderstanding between men and women regarding modern relationships, particularly in societies like the Middle East. Make sure you hit subscribe if you haven’t already! And maybe tell a friend :) Here's a timestamp for the episode: (00:44) - Reflecting on nearly a decade in radio. (10:52) - Live on-air interviews with difficult guests. (14:27) - Weirdest request from a listener. (16:26) - What's happening in Sudan? Notion of home & identity in diaspora. (22:05) - Modern dating, gender roles, misunderstanding between men & women. Contact: Email: curatedadviceonbetterliving@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekhaledsoltan/ Relevant Links: https://www.instagram.com/callme_shaheen/ https://www.amazon.com/Islam-Between-East-Alija-Izetbegovic/dp/0892591390 https://www.amazon.com/Amin-Maalouf/e/B000AP82XC%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share
#3: Toxic Relationship to Lockdown, Journaling for Mental Health, Controversial Art & Cancel Culture - Abdulaziz Yousef Ahmed (Temsa7)
#2: Growing up in Trinidad, Gustave Le Bon on Crowd Psychology & Climate Debate - Chris Thomas
Chris Thomas is an energy expert working in the gas industry. He details what it was like growing up in Trinidad and his experiences at an all-boys school. We discuss the British vs American school system and how one of them builds confidence while the other destroys it. Chris shares insights from one of the most influential books on crowd psychology (The Crowd by Gustave Le Bon). Chris describes his journey to the energy sector and Trinidad's oil & gas economy, which sparks thought-provoking conversation on the climate debate. If you enjoyed the episode, subscribe for more! Contact: Email: curatedadviceonbetterliving@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekhaledsoltan/ Relevant Links: https://www.amazon.com/Crowd-Gustave-Lebon/dp/1515435911 https://www.searchanddiscovery.com/pdfz/documents/2016/70231archie/ndx_archie.pdf.html https://diggingforgoldintrinidadandtobago.wordpress.com/world-war-i-and-ii-on-trinidads-oil-industry/ Here's a timestamp for the episode: (1:24) - What it was like going to an all-boys school in Trinidad? (6:10) - British vs American school system - which one destroys confidence? (8:43) - Gustave Le Bon on Crowd Psychology - did Donald Trump read it? (14:50) - Trinidad's energy economy - how Chris got started? (19:36) - Climate debate - things they don't tell you. (28:24) - Illuminati scam - who would this work on?
#1: Creative Process, Hollywood as an Arab, Jocelyn Mitchell Scandal - Moby Buhmaid
Mohammed 'Moby' Buhmaid is a Qatari actor/screenwriter and a longtime friend. We recorded this episode at Moby's family farm, since he's moved back from LA he spends much of his time alone working on his new web series. We get into the reality of pursuing creative work, and the unrealistic expectations people have when first starting out. While trying to make it in Hollywood, Moby was offered a role to play a terrorist - this sparks a conversation on the portrayal of Arabs and Muslims in cinema. Finally, we discuss the Jocelyn Mitchell incident at Northwestern University in Qatar and how it inspired one of his characters. If you enjoy the podcast, subscribe for more! Contact: Email: curatedadviceonbetterliving@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekhaledsoltan/Relevant Links:https://www.headspace.com/headspace-meditation-apphttps://www.dohanews.co/breaking-professor-jocelyn-mitchell-withdraws-from-research-project/Here's a timestamp for the episode: (0:00) - Creative process & does environment influence writing? (7:49) - Moby's experiences as an actor in Hollywood. (13:23) - Meditation - how to get started?(15:36) - Jocelyn Mitchell Scandal at Northwestern University in Qatar.