Inside Saudi Arabia

helloinsidesaudi
  • 5.0 (3)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE

Before moving to Saudi Arabia, we searched everywhere for a glimpse of what everyday life would be like. Inside Saudi Arabia was born from that search — a podcast exploring culture, family, style, wellness  and life in today’s Kingdom. Hosted by Carly Overman and Vesna Petrovic, each episode blends our personal experiences as expats with the everyday rhythms of a country in transformation. Whether you’re moving here, already living here, or simply curious about life inside Saudi Arabia, we’ll give you our perspective on the trends, shifts and conversations shaping the Kingdom right now.

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    Saudi on Fast Forward: 17 Years Building Creativity & Community in Riyadh | Brandie Janow

    Brandie Janow moved from Tennessee to Riyadh in 2009.. long before Saudi’s creative boom, design strategy conversations, or packed cultural calendars.   In this episode, she shares what early Riyadh was really like (when grocery stores were the hangout), how she founded Smuug to celebrate Saudi culture through design, and how she's part of building the foundation of design and the creative economy in Saudi.   We talk about:   The evolution of Saudi’s creative ecosystem   Starting Riyadh Coffee Club before mixing was normal   Launching Kingdom Creatives   Researching and documenting the future of Saudi design   “Saudi time” and life on fast forward   And why being intentional matters more than ambition   If you’re curious about women building careers in Saudi, the creative economy here, or what it’s like to grow alongside a country in transformation.. this one’s for you.     CHAPTERS 00:02:15 Welcome + the Tennessee accent 00:03:20 From Tennessee → Chicago → DC → Riyadh 00:06:25 What early Riyadh was really like 00:07:45 Watching Saudi evolve “like a plant growing” 00:10:40 The origin of Smuug 00:12:45 Why Saudi culture inspired her first brand 00:15:10 Why Saudi is an amazing place for designers 00:15:40 “We’re building a country” 00:17:20 Researching Saudi’s creative ecosystem 00:20:30 Riyadh Coffee Club (and mixing before it was normal) 00:22:25 The first meetup was packed 00:24:35 How coffee culture changed in Riyadh 00:26:30 Why Kingdom Creatives was created 00:30:35 “Saudi time” and life on fast forward 00:33:55 What her role looks like now 00:36:15 Documenting Saudi’s creative growth 00:41:50 Perfectionism and taking your time 00:43:05 Design futures + continuous learning 00:47:00 Why saying yes to everything can hurt you 00:48:05 Living intentionally, not just working 00:50:00 What really matters at the end of your life 00:54:55 Riyadh recommendations: JAX, Diriyah & more 00:59:00 What’s next + Ramadan reflections

    1h 1m

  2. 4 FEB

    Riyadh Author Reveals How Her English Novel Became a #8 Bestseller in Saudi

    Mariana De’ Carli Orti is a Riyadh-based author and publisher with a global story that runs from Brazil to London to Saudi Arabia. In this episode, she explains how her English novel hit #8 on Saudi’s bestseller list, what publishing really pays authors, and why Riyadh feels like home. We also dive into AI in books, the future of publishing, and the Riyadh Writers Conference (Feb 6–7). Topics covered: Expat life in Riyadh and why Saudi feels like home Writing a book in Saudi + #8 bestseller in Saudi Publishing realities, royalties, and AI bans Riyadh Writers Conference and Saudi creatives Chapters 00:00:00 Intro: Mariana De’ Carli Orti + Accent Mystery 00:00:55 Book Release + AI “Bible Model” Moment 00:01:25 Guest Intro: Riyadh-Based Advisor + Author 00:02:35 Global Background: Brazil, Miami, London 00:03:50 Family Story + Expat Kid Life 00:04:45 King’s College + Neuroscience Pivot 00:05:40 Languages, Law, and International Career Path 00:06:15 Move to the Middle East: Why Saudi 00:07:30 London vs Saudi Lifestyle + Community 00:09:10 Financial Crisis → Dubai Opportunity 00:10:40 Zero-Hour Contracts Explained 00:12:05 Dubai Work Culture + Regional Travel 00:12:35 Egypt + Seeing the Nile 00:13:10 Move to Riyadh in 2020 00:14:55 London vs Dubai vs Riyadh Work Culture 00:16:05 Changing Industries + Curiosity Mindset 00:17:05 Riyadh Writing Community Begins 00:18:20 Imposter Syndrome → Book Published 00:19:20 Book Success: #8 Bestseller in Saudi 00:20:45 Saudi Character Representation in the Novel 00:22:35 Second Book Coming This Year 00:22:55 How She Balances Work, Writing, Conference 00:24:05 Productivity: Block Scheduling 00:25:00 Writing as Self-Care + Creativity 00:26:10 Riyadh Social Life + FOMO 00:27:35 Boundaries + Time Off 00:28:20 AlUla as a Writing Retreat 00:30:30 AlUla Recommendations + Hidden Spots 00:31:15 Languages Spoken + Arabic Goal 00:32:00 Save the Cat + Story Structure 00:33:40 Writing Resources + Courses in Saudi 00:35:30 Publishing Disrupted by Tech 00:36:40 AI in Books + Amazon De-platforming 00:37:10 AI Lawsuits + Industry Controversy 00:39:05 University AI Policy + Ethics 00:40:30 Copyright Risks for Authors 00:41:50 Law + Writing Crossover 00:42:25 Being a Woman in Saudi + Safety 00:44:30 Misconceptions About Saudi 00:46:30 Why Riyadh Feels Like Home 00:48:00 Publishing House Mission in Saudi 00:49:15 Publishing Royalties Reality 00:50:50 Bestseller Math + Amazon Categories 00:52:20 Why Start a Publishing House 00:54:55 BookTok + Social Media Marketing 00:56:55 Riyadh Writers Conference Feb 6–7 00:58:35 Where to Follow Mariana 00:59:40 First Draft Advice + Outro

    1h 1m

  3. 28 JAN

    Why We Chose Homeschooling in Riyadh (School Fees, Safety & Identity) | Yasmin Rehman

    In this episode of Inside Saudi, we're joined by Yasmin, a Muslim expat mother who has lived in Riyadh for five years and made the bold decision to homeschool her children. We talk honestly about why international school fees, often 40–75k SAR per year, and long school hours didn’t feel right for their family, why she chose no nanny, and how homeschooling has changed their daily life. Yasmin also opens up about what it’s like to live between cultures, not fully fitting in anywhere, and why raising children in Saudi Arabia feels safer and calmer than life back in the UK. This conversation also dives into: • motherhood without family nearby • identity, faith, and belonging • Ramadan and the meaning behind fasting • a powerful, emotional story about being on Westminster Bridge during the 2017 attack and what it was like to be Muslim in the aftermath This is a raw, thoughtful conversation about motherhood, faith, safety, and choosing a different path. 🎧 Listen now and let us know what resonated most with you. Episode Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:50 Trying a nanny in Riyadh 05:45 Choosing no nanny and teamwork 14:10 Living between cultures 16:05 School fees in Riyadh 18:10 Why we chose homeschooling 19:25 School hours for young children 28:00 Safety and raising kids in Saudi 30:45 Parenting anxiety and feeling calmer 33:15 Why she is starting a moms circle 41:45 What Ramadan really means 46:50 Being on Westminster Bridge 51:10 Being Muslim in the aftermath 59:30 Final reflections

    1 hr

  4. 21 JAN

    How a French Entrepreneur Built Bonjour Arabia & Is Redefining Saudi Tourism (Vision 2030) | Cecilia

    Cecilia, the French founder of Bonjour Arabia, shares how she built a cultural tourism business in Saudi Arabia—from early exploration trips to launching in Riyadh and expanding into AlUla. We talk the realities of starting a company, building community outside compounds, creating heritage-based experiences (food, crafts, desert nights), and how tourism is growing under Vision 2030—plus a viral moment that led to an unexpected royal visit.   Chapters 00:00 — Intro: Cecilia from Bonjour Arabia 01:15 — Welcome + what Bonjour Arabia does (Vision 2030 tourism growth) 02:00 — How you first discovered her content after moving to Riyadh 02:40 — Deep dive: where she’s from + travel background 03:30 — Moving to the UAE during COVID (and what that was like) 05:15 — Energy sector job + working with Emirati women (real immersion) 07:30 — Starting cultural experiences / first company in the UAE 08:00 — Saudi road trip in 2022 (before the big expat wave) 09:45 — Moving to Riyadh in 2023 + early shocks & challenges 11:45 — No compound: finding a flat + building life from zero 14:50 — Building community: ladies gatherings + meeting Saudis 18:50 — French community + embassy/cultural work in Riyadh 19:05 — When she decided: “I’m going to build my own thing here” 20:00 — Discovering Diriyah-area/Nia: the coffee shop moment 20:45 — Viral video → message from Mansour (future business partner) 21:50 — Becoming business partners + entrepreneur license process 23:30 — Opening the first “house” + restoring heritage space 24:55 — Why that neighborhood matters + the hidden-gem vibe 26:15 — What Bonjour Arabia offers now: trips + heritage corporate events 27:00 — Workshops, artists, and how Instagram built the network 28:00 — The chef collaborations + viral cooking experiences 31:05 — Where they run trips: south (Abha), eastern region, beyond 33:05 — Her top Saudi must-visits (Jeddah, AlUla, + more) 36:10 — Kids-friendly travel: why AlUla works for families too 36:20 — Building a team + learning to delegate 40:05 — “Saudi dream”: energy, opportunity, creativity 42:10 — Royal visit story: how it happened (X/Twitter went viral) 47:15 — Saudi business culture: relationships, patience, last-minute plans 48:45 — Ramadan rhythms: working nights + adapting your business 52:50 — Top cultural experiences: cooking, desert, coffee culture 56:00 — Expanding to AlUla: why it’s different + what’s next 59:20 — Learning Arabic: classes, tools, and tips 01:02:25 — Advice to newcomers: get out, explore, it’s easier than you think 01:04:10 — Eid myth-busting: what’s actually open + where to go 01:07:05 — Final thoughts + goodbye

    1h 7m

  5. 14 JAN

    From Hustler to Housewife in Saudi Arabia | Mama Sandie, Unfiltered

    In our first-ever guest episode, we sit down with the one and only Mama Sandie. The Realest Housewife of Riyadh. From becoming a mother at 18, to building a career, surviving sepsis, a spinal fracture, and eventually relocating to Saudi Arabia, Mama Sandie shares her unfiltered story with honesty, humor, and depth. We talk about: Identity loss and reinvention after moving to Saudi Postnatal depression, loneliness, and COVID lockdowns Motherhood across different life stages Authenticity vs toxic positivity on social media Expat culture, stereotypes, and finding your people Health, resilience, and rebuilding after trauma Love, marriage, and starting over later in life Why Saudi Arabia is one of the most misunderstood countries in the world This is a long, raw, laugh-out-loud and deeply emotional conversation about womanhood, survival, and choosing yourself.. again and again. Settle in. This one stays with you. Podcast Chapters: 00:00 – Cold open & Real Housewives energy 01:30 – Welcome to Inside Saudi + introducing Mama Sandie 03:15 – Why Mama Sandy was the perfect first guest 04:05 – Motherhood: four kids across four life stages 05:30 – Life before Saudi & identity shift 07:15 – Postnatal depression & loneliness 08:05 – COVID lockdowns in Saudi Arabia 10:00 – Shame, struggle & toxic positivity 11:05 – Authenticity and being “the realest housewife” 12:20 – Social media, perfection & showing real life 14:20 – TikTok fame & being recognised in Riyadh 16:05 – Confidence, anxiety & self-image 17:25 – Becoming homeless at 18 with a newborn 19:15 – Survival, grit & refusing stereotypes 21:35 – Career, ambition & hustling as a single mum 22:40 – Entering the fitness industry 24:00 – Sepsis, organ failure & rebuilding health 27:00 – Slowing down & redefining success 28:00 – Horse riding accident & spinal fracture 31:00 – Recovery, pain & listening to your body 33:00 – Misconceptions about Saudi Arabia 35:00 – Raising grounded kids in a privileged environment 37:00 – Unexpected pregnancy & second chapter of motherhood 38:30 – Love story: meeting her husband 42:15 – Marriage, femininity & partnership 44:00 – “Jane”: expat culture & social satire 47:00 – Finding your people & protecting your energy 49:20 – Labels: expat, immigrant & identity 51:00 – Almost leaving Saudi & why she stayed 53:00 – Social media criticism & boundaries 55:00 – Mother guilt & choosing presence 58:00 – Brand deals, boundaries & integrity 59:30 – Speaking, purpose & future plans 01:02:00 – Healthcare in Saudi Arabia 01:06:00 – Medical trauma & reconstructive surgery 01:10:00 – Gratitude, resilience & paying it forward 01:12:30 – Finding friends in Saudi 01:14:45 – What expats should stop doing 01:18:30 – Real Housewives of Riyadh casting 01:28:00 – Final reflections & goodbye

    1h 29m

  6. 8 JAN

    2026 Goals & Reset: Wellness, Family & Building a Life in Saudi Arabia

    In this episode of Inside Saudi, we’re sharing our 2026 goals and intentions — from wellness and family life to growing a podcast and building a business in Saudi Arabia. After a huge year that included moving to Saudi, growing our families, launching Inside Saudi, and navigating burnout, we both felt the need for a reset. This episode is an honest, reflective conversation about health, motherhood, balance, boundaries, and what it really looks like to build a life intentionally while living in Riyadh. We talk about: Resetting wellness goals in a realistic, sustainable way Fitness, nutrition, and routines that work for busy mums Setting phone boundaries, improving sleep, and avoiding burnout Being more present with our kids and creating family rituals Letting go of perfection and getting help at home Our vision for Inside Saudi in 2026 Building community, hosting live events, and staying authentic Lessons we’re taking into the new year from Mel Robbins and Rick Rubin If you’re starting 2026 craving intention over perfection, this episode is for you. 🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you listen 📍 Recorded in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia   00:00 Welcome to Inside Saudi   01:30 Why We Needed a 2026 Reset   02:45 Reflecting on 2025: Moving to Saudi & Big Life Changes   05:30 The “Season of Saying Yes” (And Why We’re Pulling Back)   08:00 Burnout, Balance & Being Intentional as Working Moms   09:53 Wellness Goals for 2026 (Fitness, Nutrition & Imperfect Progress)   13:12 Sleep, Phone Boundaries & Social Media Burnout   15:20 Morning Routines That Actually Work as Moms   19:30 Fitness Goals in Saudi (Steps, Weights & Realistic Movement)   25:13 Family Goals: Presence, Rituals & Memory-Making   30:50 Letting Go of Control & Getting Help at Home   32:30 Podcast Goals for 2026 & Growing Inside Saudi   35:45 Live Podcast Events, Community & Authentic Content   38:53 Living in Alignment & Holding Each Other Accountable   41:25 Lessons from Mel Robbins & Rick Rubin   44:00 Final Thoughts & Our 2026 Intentions

    45 min

  7. 1 JAN

    The Riyadh Edit: Our Favourite Things of 2025 | Cafés, Shopping, Beauty & Life in Saudi

    Welcome to The Riyadh Edit: Our Favourite Things of 2025.   In this episode of Inside Saudi, we’re sharing our most-loved places, finds, and everyday favourites from living in Riyadh — from cafés and coffee spots to beauty, shopping, furniture, kids’ activities, and wellness.   Think of this as our insider edit: the places we take visitors, the brands we actually shop, the beauty treatments we love, and the little things that have made life in Saudi feel like home.   Whether you’re living in Riyadh, planning a move, or just curious about life in Saudi Arabia, this episode is packed with practical tips and personal favourites from our first year here.   🎙 Hosted by Carly Overman & Vesna Petrovic 📍 Recorded in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia   👇 Jump to your favourite sections using the chapters below.     Chapter Markers     00:00 — Welcome to Our Favourite Things Episode 01:37 — Our Favourite Things & Why We’re Doing This Edit   02:29 — Diriyah: Vesna’s Favourite Area in Riyadh 03:30 — Roshn Front: Quiet, Family-Friendly & Underrated   05:44 — Flour & Firewood & Brunch + Cake: Cafés We Always Take Visitors To 07:34 — Camel Step & Bread Ahead: Riyadh Coffee Favourites   10:10 — Souq Al Zal: Perfumes, Kaftans & Hidden Gems 12:42 — Abayas & Tailoring the Perfect Fit 14:56 — Nocturne, Zara & Cute Matching Sets   16:26 — Kids’ Clothing: Where We Shop 17:03 — Favourite Malls in Riyadh 17:58 — Boulevard World & Riyadh Season Events   19:17 — Furniture Finds: Home Centre 20:45 — Dunya Al Asar: A Hidden Home & Décor Gem 22:30 — Furniture Recommendations: Stylish on a Budget   24:15 — Kids’ Activities in Riyadh (Big & Small) 25:45 — Groceries, Seafood & Food Apps We Love   31:39 — Nails & Salon Finds 35:50 — Tonic The Method: Riyadh’s Wellness Obsession   39:30 — Chinese Cars in Saudi: What We Drive & Why 42:08 — Humidifiers, Air Quality & Health Tips for Riyadh   45:00 — Final Thoughts & Wrapping Up Our Riyadh Edit

    47 min

  8. 23/12/2025

    A Little Year-End Thank You (Before We Log Off)

    A short year-end chat on what this year brought us, what we’re grateful for, and why we’re so excited for 2026. Thank you for being here — we’ll see you in the new year 🤍

    9 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Before moving to Saudi Arabia, we searched everywhere for a glimpse of what everyday life would be like. Inside Saudi Arabia was born from that search — a podcast exploring culture, family, style, wellness  and life in today’s Kingdom. Hosted by Carly Overman and Vesna Petrovic, each episode blends our personal experiences as expats with the everyday rhythms of a country in transformation. Whether you’re moving here, already living here, or simply curious about life inside Saudi Arabia, we’ll give you our perspective on the trends, shifts and conversations shaping the Kingdom right now.

Information

  • Creator
    helloinsidesaudi
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Inside Saudi Arabia

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