Saudi Arabia is changing fast, and people around the world are starting to pay attention.

In this first ever Inside Saudi Live, we bring together three very different perspectives on what life in Saudi is actually like.

Ali Almeshaal is a Saudi media professional and tourism entrepreneur who began his career in television and now works across communications and tourism in the region.

Micah Nicole is a long time Saudi radio host and musician who has lived and worked in the Kingdom for more than a decade, witnessing the country’s cultural shifts firsthand.

Coach Kaiser is a fitness creator who came to Saudi for five days and ended up quitting his job and moving to Riyadh shortly after.

Together we talk about misconceptions about Saudi, how the country has changed over the past decade, what it’s really like living here as an expat, and why so many people are suddenly curious about the Kingdom.

From culture and social media to tourism and expat life, this conversation explores the realities of building a life in Saudi Arabia.

If you are curious about Saudi or thinking about visiting or moving here, this episode is for you.

00:00 Introduction to Inside Saudi Live

It’s just us, Carly Overman and Vesna Petrovic, for a real time Ramadan catch up in Riyadh.

We’re recording on Day 6 of Ramadan and yes, we’re fasting, with a short pause while traveling. In this episode we share what it actually feels like as non Muslim expat moms. No water. No coffee. The midday slump. Breaking fast with our kids. Ramadan events. And the unexpected reset we didn’t see coming.

We also talk about:

• Why we paused fasting during our Qatar trip

If you’re in Saudi or just curious about Ramadan from an expat perspective, this one is for you.

00:00 — Ramadan catch-up: it’s just us

He started with one penny.

At 16 years old, Rayan set himself a challenge to turn a single penny into something bigger. That decision changed his life.

From couch surfing in New York to almost playing Cristiano Ronaldo for 1 million dollars, to gaining 100,000 subscribers from one short, this is one of the wildest creator journeys we have heard.

In this episode we talk about:

• The 1 penny challenge

If you are building something, this episode is for you.

Subscribe for more real stories from Inside Saudi Arabia.

Follow Rayan here:

https://www.youtube.com/@RayanShaded

https://www.instagram.com/rayanshaded/ 

https://www.tiktok.com/@rayanshaded?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc 

00:00 First Ever Podcast Appearance

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

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

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

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.

00:00 Introduction

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

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

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

00:00 Welcome to Inside 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