Trending Echoes Podcast

Trends Research & Advisory
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Trending Echoes is a podcast series by Trends Research and Advisory that explores contemporary issues, emerging trends, and innovations shaping the world today. The podcast features expert guests from various fields—ranging from academia, policy, technology, and media—who provide in-depth insights on topics like global cooperation, artificial intelligence, and the future of content creation. Episodes often focus on how these trends affect societies, industries, and international relations, making it a platform for knowledge exchange and thoughtful discussions.

  1. FEB 7

    Trending Echoes Podcast S2: “The Age of Controlled Chaos”— Dr. Samir Taqi

    In this Trending Echoes episode, Dr. Samir Al-Taqi discusses the “Age of Controlled Chaos” shaping the Middle East and global order. He examines regional instability after the collapse of major power arrangements, the impact of the Ukraine war and October 7, the rise of non-state and ideological actors, and the risks facing Syria’s future. The conversation also explores governance failures, political Islam, economic models for recovery, terrorism dynamics, and shifting roles of the U.S., China, and other global powers — concluding with his outlook on how stable regional states can prevent wider collapse through cooperation and restraint. YouTube Chapters 00:00:00 — Introduction & scope of discussion 00:01:08 — Why the Middle East is entering a fragile phase 00:05:31 — October 7 and the regional strategic rupture 00:07:42 — Non-state actors & political Islam 00:12:29 — Syria’s future: reconciliation & decentralization 00:20:42 — Syria’s economic crisis & reform paths 00:26:27 — Terrorism, jihadist groups & state weakness 00:33:07 — Muslim Brotherhood: Syria vs region 00:35:35 — U.S. role & the emerging global order 00:40:13 — Closing outlook on the Middle East’s future Watch the full episode, subscribe to Trending Echoes, and share your thoughts in the comments.

    39 min

  2. JAN 16

    Trending Echoes Podcast S2 | When Vision Becomes Technology | Featuring Dr. Jean-Marc Feghali

    In this episode of Trending Echoes, Elyazia Al Hosani speaks with Dr. Jean-Marc Feghali, Director of Innovation at WeWalk, about inclusive technology, visual impairment, and how lived experience can shape meaningful innovation. Dr Feghali shares his personal journey growing up in Abu Dhabi with congenital visual impairment and how it led him to pursue engineering, mobility research, and eventually co-founding WeWalk—a smart mobility solution designed to empower people with visual impairments. The conversation explores how traditional tools like the white cane can be enhanced through thoughtful technology, without replacing their core purpose. The episode also delves into systems engineering, user-led design, academic–industry collaboration, and the responsible use of AI and computer vision in assistive technologies. From real user stories to global recognition, research scalability, personal challenges, and the importance of inclusive societies, this discussion highlights how innovation grounded in empathy can improve lives far beyond its original audience. Chapters 00:00 — Welcome to Trending Echoes 00:02 — Guest Introduction: Dr Jean-Marc Feghali & WeWalk 00:29 — What Is WeWalk and Its Mission 02:05 — Understanding Visual Impairment 03:03 — Growing Up Visually Impaired in Abu Dhabi 04:44 — From Civil Engineering to Mobility Research 06:56 — Joining WeWalk and User-Led Innovation 08:22 — PhD Research and Systems Engineering Approach 10:09 — Balancing Technology with the Traditional White Cane 11:38 — Real User Stories and Global Impact 13:23 — UK Government Engagement & King’s Innovation Award 14:45 — Imperial College and Academic Collaboration 15:44 — Scaling Research, Industry Transition & Investment 18:18 — Personal Challenges, Vision Loss & Resilience 21:06 — AI, Computer Vision & Cautious Innovation 23:05 — Why Inclusive Design Benefits Everyone 24:52 — The Next Five Years for WeWalk 26:01 — Inclusivity, Society & the UAE Experience 28:05 — Advice to Young Innovators

    30 min

  3. JAN 3

    Trending Echoes Podcast S2 | Telling the truth vs. being truthful | Emily Austin

    In this episode of Trending Echoes, host Elyazia Al Hosani sits down with Emily Austin, an American journalist and media personality, for an in-depth conversation on authenticity, journalism, social media algorithms, AI, and the growing responsibility of public voices in an increasingly polarised world. Emily shares how she maintains authenticity in an industry driven by narratives, why sports can succeed where politics often fails, and how extremist content is amplified through algorithms, bot networks, and misinformation. The discussion also examines journalism ethics, deepfakes, AI tools like ChatGPT, freedom of speech versus regulation, and the powerful influence of platforms such as TikTok on younger generations. From navigating online threats to redefining credibility in the digital age, this episode offers a candid look at the challenges facing modern journalism—and the responsibility that comes with having a voice that echoes far beyond the screen. Topics covered include: • Authenticity in journalism • Sports diplomacy and unity • Algorithms, extremism, and misinformation • AI, deepfakes, and ChatGPT • Freedom of speech vs regulation • Journalism ethics and accountability • Advice for young journalists Chapters 00:00 – Introduction & Guest Welcome Elyazia Al Hosani introduces Trending Echoes and welcomes journalist Emily Austin. 02:07 – Authenticity in Media & Finding Your Voice Emily explains how she stays authentic in a narrative-driven industry. 03:48 – Sports as a Tool for Unity & Diplomacy Why sports can bridge divides when politics fails. 06:02 – Algorithms, Extremism & Misinformation How social media algorithms amplify extreme narratives and fake engagement. 07:00 – Journalism, Integrity & Media Accountability The responsibility of journalists and the damage caused by misinformation. 09:18 – Credibility in the Age of TikTok & Influencers Staying trustworthy as news consumption shifts to social platforms. 12:26 – AI, ChatGPT & the Rise of Deepfakes The benefits and dangers of AI-driven information ecosystems. 16:06 – Radical Groups, Media Infiltration & Security Risks How extremist networks exploit media and social platforms. 26:00 – Online Threats, Free Speech & Personal Resilience Navigating harassment, threats, and the limits of free speech. 40:59 – Advice for Young Journalists & Final Reflections Emily’s message to the next generation of journalists.

    43 min

  4. 12/13/2025

    Trending Echoes Podcast S2 | The cancer of extremism: a warning to the world | Imam Tawhidi

    In this episode of Trending Echoes, Abdulaziz Ahmed Al Shehhi, Researcher and Deputy Head of the Research Sector at TRENDS Research & Advisory, hosts a deep and candid conversation with Imam Mohammed Tawhidi, internationally known as the Imam of Peace and a governing member of the Global Imams Council. The episode explores how extremist organizations operate under religious cover, examining their ideological narratives, political strategies, and methods of influence. The discussion addresses recent moves in the United States to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization, the exploitation of democratic freedoms, and the misuse of humanitarian and charitable platforms. It also highlights the growing role of social media and AI in radicalization and influence campaigns, and the broader implications for Western societies and the Muslim world. ⸻ Episode Highlights • The global debate around designating the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization • Extremism as an organized network, not a religious school of thought • How ideology inspired groups such as Al-Qaeda and ISIS • Infiltration of Western institutions and democratic systems • Weaponization of Islamophobia and political causes • Misuse of charities and humanitarian fundraising • Terror financing and transnational networks • Social media and AI as tools of radicalization and influence • Targeting youth, universities, and public discourse • The long-term consequences of ignoring ideological extremism Chapters 00:00 — Opening: Unmasking Extremism 01:00 — U.S. Designation of the Muslim Brotherhood 03:30 — The Muslim Brotherhood: Organization, Not Ideology 06:00 — From Sayyid Qutb to ISIS 08:30 — Infiltration of Western Institutions 10:30 — Weaponizing Islamophobia & Palestine 13:00 — Terror Financing & Charitable Fronts 18:00 — Exploiting Democracy & Minority Rights 23:00 — Social Media, AI & Youth Radicalization 31:00 — The Long-Term Consequences of Ignoring Extremism

    35 min

  5. 12/01/2025

    Trending Echoes Podcast S2 | Building the Future of Government with AI | Alexis Bonnell | Open AI

    In this special episode of Trending Echoes, we sit down with Alexis Bonnell, the Chief AI Adoption & Acceleration Officer and Lead for U.S. National Lab Partnerships at OpenAI. Together, we explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of government, public services, diplomacy, education, and everyday life. Through a candid and insightful conversation, Alexis discusses: • What “AI for Humanity” truly means in a government context • How governments can use AI to transform efficiency, services, and mission delivery • Why trust, transparency, and responsible use are essential • How AI can support policymaking, scenario planning, and national development • The future of AI in defense, public administration, and citizen experience • Parenting in the age of AI — and how to prepare the next generation • How countries like United Arab Emirates are taking a leading role in shaping AI innovation and global cooperation • Her personal stories about using AI in daily life and creativity Alexis also reflects on her participation in the TRENDS Annual AI Conference, her experiences living in the UAE, and why the next decade will redefine how humans and intelligent systems work together. This episode is a must-watch for policymakers, innovators, educators, and anyone curious about how AI will shape the world we live in. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction & Guest Welcome Opening the episode and introducing Alexis Bonnell from OpenAI. 01:00 – What “AI for Humanity” Means for Governments How AI can transform public services, missions, and citizen experience. 04:30 – Trust, Safety & Responsible AI Use Building confidence in AI technology and ensuring safe adoption. 07:20 – AI Across Government Sectors From defense to public administration — why all sectors must embrace AI. 10:00 – AI in Policymaking, Efficiency & Everyday Life How AI improves decisions, reduces bureaucracy, and supports daily tasks. 16:00 – AI in Education & Raising the Next Generation Preparing children and youth for an AI-driven future. 19:40 – AI, Diplomacy & Global Security Risks How AI strengthens cooperation — and the challenges of misuse. 27:20 – The UAE’s Leadership & The Future of AI Why the UAE is emerging as a global AI-native nation.

    42 min

  6. 11/15/2025

    Trending Echoes Podcast S2 | The Future of Water | Daniel Iacoboni | Water Scarcity & Tech Solutions

    Trending Echoes Podcast

    42 min

  7. 10/31/2025

    Trending Echoes Podcast S2 | From Navigating Change to Driving It — A Conversation with Samir Saran

    Trending Echoes Podcast

    53 min

  8. 10/18/2025

    Trending Echoes S2 features Mina AlOraibi, Editor-in-Chief of The National | Breaking Barriers

    Trending Echoes Podcast

    29 min
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About

Trending Echoes is a podcast series by Trends Research and Advisory that explores contemporary issues, emerging trends, and innovations shaping the world today. The podcast features expert guests from various fields—ranging from academia, policy, technology, and media—who provide in-depth insights on topics like global cooperation, artificial intelligence, and the future of content creation. Episodes often focus on how these trends affect societies, industries, and international relations, making it a platform for knowledge exchange and thoughtful discussions.

Information

  • Creator
    Trends Research & Advisory
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    103
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Trending Echoes Podcast