This episode takes a look back on 2025 and lifts the lid on Spencer's journey so far as a long form content creator, podcaster, entrepreneur and incredible storyteller. In this episode Spencer speaks from the heart about the big names along the way and the impact of his show on his life, and the guests around him, including what doesn't show up on the highlight reel.

From nearly quitting the show (more than once), to falling asleep mid-recording, to losing a full episode forever, Spencer opens up to us about the real emotional and operational reality of building a long-form meaningful podcast.

Raj pulls back the curtain on how Episode 100 was secretly produced as a surprise, why the show pivoted from chasing big names to telling human stories and holding worthwhile conversations, to how "success" can still feel unachieved even when things look great from the outside.

Raj and Spencer talk about redefining success as impact, kindness and consistency, the internal "me vs me" mindset and the moments that proved the show genuinely mattered — including an email from a listener that changed everything...

This is a behind-the-scenes conversation about:

2:30 - 5:58 The story behind the podcast

5:58 – 27:26 how Episode 100 was secretly produced as a surprise

27:26 – 49:39 The impact my guests have had on me

49:40 – 1:00:10 From Spencer Lodge podcast to Made in Dubai

1:00:10 – 1:13:10 Dubai's impact on spencer

1:13:10 – 1:17:00 Fear of failure

1:17:00 – 1:23:27 Falling asleep during a recording

1:23:27 – 1:25:00 2026 goals

1:25:00 – 1:44:28 Kindness isn't my superpower

Show Sponsors:

AYS Developers: A design-focused company dedicated to crafting exceptional homes, vibrant communities, and inspiring lifestyle experiences.

https://bit.ly/AYS-Developers

Socials:

Follow Spencer Lodge on Social Media

https://www.instagram.com/madeindubaipodcast/?hl=en

https://www.instagram.com/spencer.lodge/?hl=en

https://www.tiktok.com/@spencer.lodge

https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencerlodge/

https://www.youtube.com/c/SpencerLodgeTV

https://www.facebook.com/spencerlodgeofficial/

Follow Raj Kotecha on Social Media

https://www.youtube.com/rajkotecha

https://www.instagram.com/rajkotecha/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajkotecha/?originalSubdomain=ae

https://open.spotify.com/show/3RDJUu5Cv16q9XXgsKAeny?si=f2475432a80d4402&nd=1&dlsi=9eb65a03b26d41dc