In this episode, Zak is joined by Richard Nasr — professional trader and coach — to unpack one of the most misunderstood and debated topics in modern finance: cryptocurrency trading.At the center of their conversation lies a bold and often uncomfortable question:Is trading just another form of gambling?It’s the elephant in the room — and Richard is here to break it down. Together, they explore why this comparison is not only misleading but deeply damaging. Trading isn’t about luck — it’s about structure, discipline, and emotional control. It’s a skillset, built on strategy and consistency, that anyone can learn and master — much like a language.Richard also dives into two critical financial habits that many overlook: saving money at home and treating gold as a growth investment. In a time of rising inflation and shifting markets, holding onto cash or relying on gold may feel “safe,” but can actually mean watching your wealth quietly lose value.This conversation redefines how we think about risk, money, and the mindset required to grow financially. Whether you're curious about crypto, skeptical of trading, or simply looking to make smarter money decisions — this episode will change the way you see it all.

We all carry trauma. Yet, most of us remain silent about it — many don’t even fully recognize its presence within us.In this episode, we finally confront the elephant in the room: trauma. But not in the way it’s usually framed — not merely as pain, victimhood, or a label that defines us as “broken.”Katia Yazbeck, relational consultant, offers a powerful shift in perspective: what if, before you were even born, you consciously chose your family? This radical lens transforms the way we relate to our past, our pain, and ultimately, ourselves.This isn’t your typical conversation about trauma. Katia guides us beyond victimhood and fear, opening a path toward empowerment and healing.Most importantly, she reminds us that healing doesn’t begin with blame or waiting for time to heal wounds — it begins the moment you take ownership of your journey and choose how to move forward. That choice is where true transformation begins.

In this special episode, Zak steps into the guest seat—not just as a transactional analyst, but as a guide for anyone ready to rethink their life, success, and relationship with money.Together, we explore how many of us get stuck in routines and comfort zones that feel “safe” but actually keep us small. Is your daily routine truly serving you, or just numbing you? Are you genuinely satisfied with the results you’re getting? Zak challenges us to look honestly at the lives we’ve built and the beliefs that silently shape them.We dive deep into why real success can never come from the comfort zone and why personal development is the true foundation for any lasting change—financial or otherwise.As Lebanese, we’ve experienced crisis after crisis that have shaped how we see money and security. Zak discusses how our cultural and collective experiences influence our money mindset and why many of us struggle to “have enough.”This episode also highlights Zak’s upcoming workshop: Unlock Your Financial Frequency — a transformative two-day experience that blends financial archetypes, emotional body awareness, and Transactional Analysis to help you heal your relationship with money and unlock your full potential. You can register through this link: https://forms.gle/AMVbRbPcdEwkabWH7. Whether you’re stuck in a cycle you want to break, seeking to understand why money feels so stressful, or simply ready to grow beyond your current limits, this conversation will inspire you to step out of your comfort zone and into a life of deeper awareness and true fulfillment.

What if failure isn’t the opposite of success — but its fuel?In this raw episode of Zak Talks, serial entrepreneur Amir Batraki reveals how his biggest failures became his greatest breakthroughs. From business collapses to personal healing, Amir shares why emotional resilience is the ultimate entrepreneurial skill.We dive into:Why we fear failure — and how to rewire thatThe power of hitting rock bottomHow personal growth drives business growthWhether you're an entrepreneur or simply navigating a setback, this episode will challenge your mindset and inspire you to turn failure into your strongest asset.

In this episode, multi-instrumentalist Aren Donerian joins Zak for a bold and honest conversation about the hidden pressures many kids face when it comes to music. Are we raising future artists, or just checking boxes on a parent-approved checklist?They dive into; The difference between genuine passion and parent-driven ambition; Why so many kids feel obligated to play instruments; The emotional toll of “mandatory” music lessons; And most importantly, what to do when your child just isn’t into itAren shares powerful personal stories and practical advice on how to shift from pressure to purpose, helping children explore music in a way that feels inspiring, not imposed. Whether you're a parent, a musician, or someone healing from your own childhood recital trauma, this episode is a must-listen.Hit play and tune into the beat of what really matters!

In the fast-moving world of food and beverage, strong leadership isn’t optional - it’s everything. This episode unpacks the difference between managers who inspire and those who hold teams back, highlighting why investing in people is the foundation of long-term success in F&B.We explore what effective team communication really looks like, how to build trust, and why believing in your staff drives performance. You’ll also gain insights into smart reward systems—knowing when to recognize success, and when not rewarding can be just as powerful.Whether you’re running a kitchen, managing a café, or leading a restaurant team, this episode delivers clear strategies for creating a motivated, loyal, and high-performing workforce.

What if your biggest weakness was actually your greatest strength; simply misunderstood, or suppressed by the wrong environment?

In this episode, we tackle one of the most pervasive flaws in workplace culture: the constant focus on fixing weaknesses rather than celebrating what’s already strong. 

We explore how early feedback or harsh environments can unintentionally cause people to bury their true strengths, and why many highly successful professionals still feel unfulfilled and disconnected from their work.

This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt unseen, undervalued, or stuck in a role that doesn’t truly reflect who they are. It’s also a wake-up call for leaders who want to build teams that thrive by embracing people’s authentic potential.

Tune in and rethink how we define strength, success, and human potential at work!

Why are Gen Z employees leaving the workplace in record numbers? It's not just about salary or benefits, it's about leadership. In this episode of Zak Talks, we uncover the real reason behind high turnover and low engagement in today’s workforce.We dive into; The clash between traditional leadership and Gen Z expectations; How outdated management styles are destroying company culture; What leaders must do to retain and motivate the next generationWhether you're an employee or an executive, this conversation is essential for understanding the future of work!

Welcome to the very first episode of our podcast, where we're kicking things off with a timeless clash: the generational divide in politics. Why does it feel like different age groups are living in completely different political worlds? We're unpacking how age shapes values, power, and the future of political change. Whether you're Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X, or Boomer - this one’s for you!