Forward_Moves

Raja Haddad

Forward_Moves is a podcast hosted by Lina Nahhas and Raja Haddad, that shares lived experiences and stories of successful personalities in the Middle East from the creative world of art, design, entertainment, hospitality, business, and other disciplines.

  1. 11 JUL

    Creativity, Advocacy and Legacy: How identities are preserved

    Send us a text What role does art and creativity play in advocacy and forging an identity? How to valance passion and entrepreneurship , and how important are communities in transmitting stories within cultures? 🙌🏽 🎙️ The season 2 final episode wraps up the diverse themes shared by the 12 wonderful guests over the past 3 months, with Lina Nahhas and Raja Haddad picking up cards and reflecting on these different topics:  Identity & Cultural Reclamation  Creativity as Advocacy Mentorship & Community  Spirituality & Sacred Practice Passion vs Profession  Legacy & the Future  Emotional Resilience and Inner Work  🎧Whether you downloaded all episodes and want to revisit them, or simply catch up on episodes past and join the conversation, this season finale promises to connect all the dots and bring you up to date with what’s on the minds of the creative community though leaders. 📍 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/  Support the show

    43 min

  2. 27 JUN

    Turning Passion into Purpose: Chef Bader’s Recipe for Success

    Send us a text What do chocolate, culture, and choosing your own path have in common? One Emirati chef.  In this episode of Forward_Moves, host Raja Haddad sits down with Chef Bader Najeeb, pastry chef, chocolatier, and founder of Burnt Orange, for a deliciously honest conversation about baking, identity, and doing what truly moves you. From making fondant in his childhood kitchen to opening one of Dubai’s most soulful cafés, Bader shares how desserts became his language for storytelling, for self-expression, and for staying true to his roots. In this episode: - From home baker to Swiss culinary school - Chocolate as an emotional, cultural connector - Managing pressure, perfectionism & online noise - Building Burnt Orange with soul, not trends - Embracing Emirati identity while thinking globally 📌 Whether you're a foodie, creative, or founder, this is your reminder that the best things come when you follow what actually matters to you. 🎧 Watch now on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts. #Forward_Moves #ChefBaderNajeeb #BurntOrangeDXB #CulinaryCreativity #EmiratiVoices #Chocolatier #Foody #Chef #EmiratiChef #DubaiCafes #MiddleEastCreatives #dubai #abudhabi #mydubai #dubailife #inspiration #uaefood #followforfollow #chocolatechefb #burntorangechocolatier 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 Chef Bader: https://www.instagram.com/chef.b/?hl=en Follow Burnt Orange: https://www.instagram.com/burntorangechocolatier/?hl=en  Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 00:24 Meet Chef Bader 02:23 Early Inspirations and Family Influence 04:13 Challenges of Being a Self-Taught Chef 06:02 Discovering Fondant and the Path to Pastry 09:42 Balancing Passion and Practicality 14:10 Pursuing Culinary Dreams 15:03 From Accounting to Culinary Arts 17:46 The Scholarship Dilemma 21:55 Embracing Social Media and TV Experiences 24:16 Opening Burnt Orange Cafe 24:35 The Courage to Quit 25:18 Support from Friends and Family 27:23 Handling Feedback and Criticism 35:30 Innovations in the Culinary World 43:59 Future Aspirations and Advice 49:10 Final Thoughts Support the show

    49 min

  3. 19 JUN

    Designing Belonging: Gardens as Living Poems with Zain Masud

    Send us a text What does it mean to build beauty with purpose? In this episode of Forward_Moves, host Raja Haddad is joined by Zain Masud, a London-trained art world professional turned landscape designer, who is reshaping how we experience space, memory, and nature in the Middle East. 🎙️ In this episode, we explore: - Zain’s journey from the global art scene to land-based design in the Arab world - Why she views nature as storytelling—and gardens as living archives - How beauty, emotion, and identity are layered into space - Designing spaces that heal, include, and speak to a deeper sense of belonging - Letting go of perfection and trusting the process of reinvention Zain’s gardens are not just visual—they’re emotional, ancestral, and bold in their quiet defiance. 🌱 This is an episode about starting over, looking inward, and designing spaces that feel like home. 👉 Watch the full episode now on YouTube, or tune in on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.  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 Zain: https://www.instagram.com/zainmasud/?hl=en  Follow Zain’s Studio: https://www.instagram.com/studiozainmasud/  Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Song Choice 00:19 Personal Connection to The Beatles 01:17 Life Advice and Personal Growth 02:22 Welcome to the Show 02:40 Guest Introduction: Zain Maud 04:13 Early Influences and Love for Nature 08:52 Career Transition and New Beginnings 18:14 The Art of Garden Making 28:27 Exploring the Urgency of Climate Change 29:32 The Invitation to Learn and Discover 30:37 Earliest Memories of Gardens 33:10 Navigating Career Challenges 37:06 Creating Poetic Spaces 41:04 Sources of Inspiration 50:13 Imagining the Inner Garden 53:25 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections Support the show

    53 min

  4. 12 JUN

    Designing with Soul: Meshary Al Nassar on Identity, Space & Storytelling

    Send us a text Can a room tell a story? In this episode of Forward_Moves, hosts Lina Nahhas and Raja Haddad sit down with Meshary Al Nassar—renowned Interior Architect & Cultural Storyteller—to explore how space, memory, and identity intertwine. From rearranging furniture at age 12 to leading his own interior design studio, Meshary opens up about his career and personal journey. 📍 Highlights include:  – Designing for emotion, not prestige  – Reclaiming Arab identity through storytelling  – Turning rejection into motivation  – Why every object holds meaning  – The beauty of grief, stillness, and slowing down 🎧 Now streaming on YouTube and all major podcast platforms.  🔔 Subscribe for more stories from the Middle East’s creative changemakers. 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 Meshary: https://www.instagram.com/studiomesharyalnassar/?hl=en  Chapters: 00:00 Introduction  01:42 Meet the Guest: Meshary Al Nassar 03:58 Meshary's Early Inspirations and Family Influence 04:45 Discovering Interior Design 06:59 The Art of Spatial Design 09:46 Creating Inclusive and Welcoming Spaces 13:27 Passion Projects and Personal Identity 24:09 The Importance of Vulnerability and Authenticity 26:43 Exploring Emotional Intimacy 27:21 Tools for Decompression 29:12 Overcoming Personal Challenges 32:57 Facing Rejection and Finding Motivation 37:52 The Journey to Acceptance and Connection 39:47 Future Aspirations and Legacy 46:06 The Fantasy of Disappearing 48:02 Final Thoughts Support the show

    49 min

  5. 5 JUN

    Supper Clubs, Slow Living & Stories from the Kitchen Table

    Send us a text Can a single dish carry the weight of heritage, memory, and identity? In this episode of Forward_Moves, host Raja Haddad sits down with Chef Ahmad Halawa, the Palestinian culinary artist bringing people together—one plate at a time. From childhood memories in his family kitchen to launching a supper club in Dubai, Ahmad shares how food became his way of preserving culture, connecting communities, and telling stories that words sometimes can’t. Plus, a special scoop: Ahmad announces his upcoming restaurant in Dubai. 📌 This is more than a conversation about food—it’s about home, legacy, and why a good dish sometimes just needs to hug you. 🎧 Now on YouTube & all major podcast platforms. 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 Ahmad: https://www.instagram.com/chefhalawa  Chapters: 00:00 Introduction  00:23 The Role of Music in Life 00:59 Meet Chef Ahmad Halawa 02:46 Early Culinary Influences 08:44 Cooking Journey Begins in Cairo 15:19 Starting a Supper Club 18:49 Meeting Interesting People 19:27 Memorable Dishes and Their Meanings 22:18 Impact of Fast-Paced Life on Food 24:05 Preserving Culinary Heritage 25:58 This or That: Fun Food Preferences 30:14 Connecting Through Food 34:51 Future of Palestinian Cuisine 35:53 Final Thoughts and Reflections Support the show

    38 min

  6. 29 MAY

    The Leap into Purpose: Fadi Rifai on Music, Healing & Creative Freedom

    Send us a text 🎙 How do you honour your purpose and find joy in the process?  In this heartfelt episode of Forward_Moves, hosts Lina Nahhas and Raja Haddad sit down with multidisciplinary musical artist Fadi Rifai to explore the power of creativity, community, and self-discovery. From Sufi sound journeys and musical theatre to letting go of labels, Fadi shares how he moved from self-doubt to full-time artistry—turning personal healing into soulful expression.  💡 If you're navigating your own creative leap or seeking meaning through expression, this one’s for you. 🎤 Topics include: - Taking the leap into full-time artistry - Sufi poetry, music, and spiritual process - Creativity as healing, not performance - Community as a mirror and safety net - Self-love, vulnerability & emotional truth 📌 Watch now on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts!  #Forward_Moves #CreativeJourney #ArtAsHealing #MiddleEastCreatives #SufiPoetry #SpiritualArtistry #AuthenticExpression #arabartist #arabicart #arabiculture #tanweerfestival #arabicmusic #musical 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 Fadi: https://www.instagram.com/fadirifaai/?hl=en  Chapters:  00:00 Introduction to the Song's Emotional Impact 02:12 Introduction  04:11 Fadi's Artistic Journey and Background 07:26 Finding and Following Your Passion 14:45 Balancing Passion and Practicality 18:13 The Role of Sufi Poetry and Music 24:04 Navigating the Artistic Path 26:50 Integrating Sufi Journeys 27:37 Navigating Emotions and Purpose 28:14 The Power of Practice 28:35 Facing Disappointments 29:13 The Inner Work 31:40 Recognizing Musical Success 32:00 The Metamorphosis Event 33:02 Liberation Through Music 36:58 Spirituality in Music 44:24 Community and Collaboration 48:17 Emotional Reflections 51:04 Conclusion Support the show

    52 min

  7. 22 MAY

    Breaking Stereotypes, Building Stories: Nez Gebreel on Regional Creativity

    Send us a text From rebranding Victoria Beckham to redefining Arab identity!  Welcome back to Forward_moves! In this bold and thought-provoking episode, Nez Gebreel, Creative Luxury Strategist, joins Lina Nahhas and Raja Haddad to unpack what it means to reclaim Arab identity, challenge cultural stereotypes, and lead with curiosity and creativity. 🔍 You’ll hear about: Her journey from London to Dubai and beyondWhy grassroots craftsmanship matters more than everPersonal stories of trauma, healing, and mentorship 🎧 Stream now on YouTube & all major podcast platforms. 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 Nez: https://www.instagram.com/nezarella/?hl=en  Chapters:  00:00 Introduction and Music Choices 03:13 Guest Introduction 03:49 Nas Giri's Career Highlights 05:27 Cultural Identity and Creative Expression 16:53 Challenges and Opportunities in Dubai's Creative Industry 22:38 Critique of Mentorship Expectations 23:32 Question from Sue Holt: Future of Creative Industry in the Middle East 24:18 Stability and Regional Collaboration 25:44 Challenges of Identity and Community 28:36 Defining Success and Personal Fulfillment 33:06 Marketing and Changing Perceptions 42:22 Advice to a Younger Self 45:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Support the show

    47 min

  8. 15 MAY

    Sound, Silence & the Stories Between – with Shelley Frost

    Send us a text Silence, sound, and the soul of a region.  In this powerful episode of Forward_Moves, hosts Raja Haddad and Lina Nahhas sit down with Shelley Frost—harpist, entrepreneur, and founder of The Fridge—to explore the art of listening, the magic of mentorship, and the evolution of the Middle East’s grassroots music scene. 🎧 In this episode: - Building The Fridge and Dubai’s independent music ecosystem - What Icelandic silence revealed about creativity - Artistic self-worth vs. commercial rates - Curating the Arab League’s historic ceremony at UNESCO - Embracing failure, feedback, and reinvention - The power of reimagining heritage for modern audiences 📌 A must-watch for creatives, cultural leaders, and anyone tuning into their next move. 🎙️ Now streaming on YouTube and all major podcast platforms. #forward_moves  #ShelleyFrost #TheFridgeDubai #SoundOfSilence #WomenInMusic #CreativeLeadership #MiddleEastCreatives #CulturalCuration #UAEArts #ArabicCulture #ArbicArtists  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 Shelley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelley-frost-333b7a38/  Keep up with The Fridge: https://thefridge.me/ Chapters:  00:00 Introduction  00:25 Discussing the Piece of Music 01:52 Meet Shelley Frost 03:14 Shelley's Musical Journey 07:28 The Love for Performing Arts 08:48 Creating Moments Through Music 11:30 Championing Local Talent 21:00 The Impact of Silence 22:13 The Sound of Silence 22:54 Common Mistakes Artists Make 24:32 Navigating the Art Scene in Different Regions 26:11 Embracing Failure as an Artist 27:32 The Role of Mentorship 29:05 Transitioning from Musician to Entrepreneur 31:00 The Importance of Self-Worth 38:05 Creating Meaningful Performances 38:27 A Memorable UNESCO Performance 44:27 Concluding Thoughts Support the show

    45 min
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About

Forward_Moves is a podcast hosted by Lina Nahhas and Raja Haddad, that shares lived experiences and stories of successful personalities in the Middle East from the creative world of art, design, entertainment, hospitality, business, and other disciplines.

Information

  • Creator
    Raja Haddad
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Forward_Moves
  • Show Website
    Forward_Moves

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