Trending Echoes Podcast

Trends Research & Advisory

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. Oct 18

    Trending Echoes Podcast S2 | The Middle East At Crossroads | Secretary Mike Pompeo

    The Middle East stands at a crossroads. What will shape its security, partnerships, and future? In this special episode of Trending Echoes Season 2, host Elyazia Al Hosani, Head of Media Sector at TRENDS Group, sits down with former U.S. Secretary of State and CIA Director Mike Pompeo to discuss America’s evolving foreign policy and the region’s changing strategic landscape. From the impact and limitations of maximum pressure on Iran to the future of Gulf security, Pompeo shares his perspectives on regional deterrence, U.S.–UAE cooperation, and prospects for expanding the Abraham Accords. The conversation also explores strategic competition with China and Russia, extremism in Europe, and the growing battle for influence in the information space. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction: Elyazia Al Hosani welcomes Mike Pompeo 00:17 A decade of U.S. foreign policy 01:13 Iran: Assessing maximum pressure 03:06 What does behaving like a “normal nation” mean? 03:59 Iran’s missile and nuclear capabilities 05:31 Gulf security and America’s regional role 07:38 Trump’s Iran policy: First and second terms 10:44 Extremism in Europe and the UAE’s approach 13:50 China, Russia, and American leadership 16:19 Never Give an Inch: Principles and compromise 18:12 The future of U.S.–UAE relations 20:09 Expanding the Abraham Accords 21:50 Information warfare and competing narratives 24:37 Closing remarks Subscribe to Trending Echoes for more conversations with global leaders and influential voices on the issues shaping our world. #TrendingEchoes #TRENDSGroup #MikePompeo #ElyaziaAlHosani #MiddleEast #Geopolitics #USForeignPolicy

  2. Jul 12

    Trending Echoes Podcast S2 | Media in Times of War | Mohamed Al-Hammadi

    Welcome to Trending Echoes, the podcast where leading voices unpack the ideas shaping our world. Hosted by Abdulaziz Ahmed Alshehhi, this episode features renowned Emirati journalist, writer, and media expert Mohamed Al-Hammadi for an in-depth discussion on how modern conflicts are fought not only on the battlefield but also across television screens, digital platforms, and social media. The conversation explores the evolving role of Gulf media during the recent regional conflict involving the United States, Iran, and Israel, addressing misinformation, media narratives, public awareness, digital influence, artificial intelligence, national security, and the future of journalism. Is the media still an observer, or has it become an active participant in modern warfare? Can neutrality truly exist in today's information landscape? How can societies build resilience against misinformation? Tune in for an insightful conversation on the power of narratives, media ethics, and the changing dynamics of journalism in the digital age. Host: Abdulaziz Ahmed Alshehhi Guest: Mohamed Al-Hammadi, Emirati Journalist, Writer & Media Expert Chapters 00:00 Introduction & Guest Welcome 00:32 Media as a Battlefield in Modern Wars 01:49 Is the Media Now a Participant in Conflict? 02:54 Gulf Media's Performance During the Crisis 04:54 Fighting Misinformation in the Digital Age 09:08 Social Media, Speed vs Accuracy & UAE's Communication Strategy 13:02 Neutrality, National Interest & Media Responsibility 15:48 How Audiences Have Changed in the Digital Era 19:23 Media Literacy, Public Awareness & National Security 24:21 Who Really Shapes Public Opinion Today? 29:40 The Future of Gulf Media & Closing Reflections

  3. May 9

    Trending Echoes Podcast S2 | Iran and the Muslim Brotherhood: Power and Conflict | Dr. Tawfik Okasha

    In this episode of Trending Echoes Podcast, host Hamad Al Hosani sits down with Egyptian political writer and media figure Dr. Tawfik Okasha for a wide-ranging discussion on the future of the Iran conflict, the collapse of political Islam, Gulf security, media narratives, and the ideological battle shaping the Middle East. Dr. Okasha shares his perspective on Iran’s regional strategy, the role of militias across the Arab world, the Muslim Brotherhood’s influence, Arab media fragmentation, and why he believes the “real battle” today is a battle of awareness. The conversation also explores the UAE’s regional role, the future of Gulf unity, political ideology, and the intersection of media, religion, and power in shaping public opinion across the region. Key Themes Discussed Iran’s regional influence and proxy networks Political Islam and the Muslim Brotherhood Gulf security and regional alliances UAE strategic vision and modernisation Arab media fragmentation and public opinion Ideology, governance, and geopolitical transformation Chapters 00:00 — Introduction & Future of the Iran War 00:05 — The “Shiite Crescent” & Regional Militias 00:07 — Iraq, Hezbollah & Iranian Influence Networks 00:09 — Iran’s Military Capabilities & Missile Narrative 00:11 — Why the UAE Was Targeted & UAE Air Defense Capabilities 00:14 — Gulf Unity, Arab League & Regional Fragmentation 00:20 — Iran’s Regime Future & Nuclear Negotiations 00:23 — Muslim Brotherhood, Political Islam & UAE’s Counter-Strategy 00:29 — Assassination Attempts & Brotherhood Presence Across the Region 00:42 — Arab Media Discourse, Propaganda & the Battle of Narratives

  4. Mar 22

    Trending Echoes Podcast S2 | Inside Iran, Beyond Extremism | Imam Mohammad Tawhidi

    In this episode of Trending Echoes, host Elyazia Al Hosani speaks with Imam Mohammad Tawhidi, Governing Member of the Global Imams Council (Canada), for a candid discussion on the ideological foundations of the Iranian regime, religious authority, and the dynamics of extremism in the region. The conversation explores the concept of political leadership in Iran, the role of the Supreme Leader, and how theological narratives intersect with governance. Imam Mohammad Tawhidi also shares personal experiences from his studies in Iran, reflecting on curriculum, ideological indoctrination, and the turning points that shaped his views. The discussion further examines the influence of transnational Islamist movements, particularly the Muslim Brotherhood, and their perceived impact on political and religious landscapes across the Middle East. The episode concludes with an assessment of the organization’s current strength, long-term strategies, and the importance of continued counter-extremism efforts. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction Host Elyazia Al Hosani introduces Imam Mohammad Tawhidi and sets the context for the discussion. 00:22 – The Iranian Regime: Then and Now Views on leadership in Iran and the concept of the Supreme Leader. 01:52 – Religious Authority and Political Legitimacy Discussion on theological narratives and political power structures. 03:09 – Educational Background and Ideological Formation Shared curriculum and experiences within religious institutions. 05:02 – Turning Point: Questioning the System Personal reflections on exposure to dissent and intellectual challenges. 06:28 – Opposition to Wilayat al-Faqih Clerical disagreements and evolving perspectives. 07:09 – Detention and Interrogation in Iran Personal account of questioning by authorities. 10:22 – Leaving Iran and Family History Background on migration and political developments. 11:16 – Counter-Extremism and the Muslim Brotherhood Discussion on ideological influence and regional dynamics. 12:35 – Links Between Islamist Movements Historical and political examples. 14:51 – Strength of the Muslim Brotherhood Today Assessment of global presence and influence. 16:10 – Closing Remarks Final thoughts and conclusion of the episode.

  5. 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

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.