With MJP

Craig Cook, CEO of the Brain & Performance Centre in Dubai, joins me to talk about the future of brain health and performance. The centre is the largest hyperbaric oxygen therapy facility in the world, helping people with recovery from stroke, concussion, autism, cerebral palsy, and more.In this conversation, Craig shares how their programs are improving lives, supporting athletes, and unlocking new ways to approach longevity and healthy ageing. He also opens up about his personal journey as a parent and how his son’s story has shaped his mission.

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What happens when the people telling the world’s stories carry invisible scars of their own?This week on With MJP, we sit down with Dr. Masa Al-Kurdi, psychologist, researcher, and one of the few founders of MENATA. From her first-hand work in refugee camps to the rise of trauma-focused therapy for reporters, Dr. Masa sheds light on the toll of frontline storytelling, why the industry still struggles with mental health, and what true support for media professionals should look like.

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Frank Kane, a leading business journalist and media veteran in the Middle East, dives into the realities of Dubai’s media world. He talks about censorship red lines, how business reporting becomes political, and why influencers have taken over the spotlight. With decades of experience covering the region, Frank shares unfiltered insights on the good, the bad and the ugly of UAE media, and what it all means for the future.

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What makes a city truly livable? Strategic urban planner and city design advisor Fatma Al Khayat breaks it down from future proofing against climate change to rethinking JLT as a walkable 15 minute city. Fatma explains how smarter design can change the way we live, move, and connect. She gets real about Dubai’s transport gaps, why heritage matters, and how to build cities that work for everyone, kids, grandparents, and every generation in between. If you’ve ever side eyed traffic on Sheikh Zayed Road or wondered how Dubai could feel more human, this one’s for you.

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Natassia Dsouza isn’t just an Emotional Eating Coach (CBT), she’s living proof that transformation is possible. After losing 65 kilos and breaking free from binge eating, she rebuilt her confidence and her life. Now, she’s on a mission to help others heal their relationship with food, overcome body dysmorphia, and create lasting change with her “feel it, not feed it” philosophy.

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Alana Wallace, Dubai radio host and survivor, shares her powerful story of surviving two abusive relationships, breaking free, and rebuilding her life. 

From the trauma of violence to the long road of therapy and healing, Alana opens up about the warning signs, the turning points, and how she found strength after years of fear.

This conversation is a raw and honest look at the reality of domestic abuse, the cycle that traps victims, and what it takes to break free.If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, please seek help. You’re not alone.

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Radio presenter turned entrepreneur Lorna Bancroft joins to discuss why kids today are glued to their phones, how her venture Gen X DXB is giving tweens a screen-free social space, and why she believes mobile phones have no place in schools. From childhood memories without phones to helping the next generation rediscover imagination, Lorna shares insights every parent should hear.

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Doug Morrione, storyteller, filmmaker, and director, shares his journey from New York’s music and editing scene to documenting life in Dubai. In this conversation, he reflects on the evolution of the UAE’s indie film community, the art of storytelling, and the challenges of creating in a place with unique cultural dynamics. Along the way, he discusses expat life, the UAE’s response to the pandemic, architecture and mega-projects, the intersection of sports and life lessons, and his experiences capturing stories across the world, from American cowboys to Emirati filmmakers.

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On this episode we’re joined by Rob Salomon, the Dean of NYU Stern at NYU Abu Dhabi, to talk about education, ambition, and the bold bet Abu Dhabi is making on the future of business.From his personal journey as a globalization expert to why the UAE is attracting top talent from around the world, this episode unpacks what it really takes to build an institution that lasts and a career that matters.

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“Suicide loss survivor. These are the people left behind.”

On this episode, we’re joined by Renu Varun, a Dubai-based suicide prevention facilitator who turned personal tragedy into purpose. She’s using her voice to open up conversations we often shy away from. About grief, mental health, and the will to keep going.

It’s bigger than just one story.

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