Forward_Moves

Raja Haddad
Forward_Moves

Forward_Moves is a podcast hosted by Lina Nahhas and Raja Haddad, that shares lived experiences and stories of successful personalities in the Middle East from the creative world of art, design, entertainment, hospitality, business, and other disciplines.

  1. 6 DAYS AGO

    Handmade, Heartmade: Crafting Identity with Nada Debs

    Send us a text What does it mean to truly belong, and can design help us find our way home? In this episode of Forward_Moves, hosts Lina Nahhas and Raja Haddad sit down with pioneering designer Nada Debs, whose work blends heritage and modernity, craft and culture, East and East. Born in Lebanon, raised in Japan, and shaped by a global perspective, Nada opens up about her journey of reconciling identity and how it shaped her powerful design philosophy—handmade & heartmade. She shares how her deep love for craft became a vehicle for storytelling, spiritual connection, and healing. 🔍 Inside the episode: - The story behind her signature design language East and East - Why sacred geometry and craftsmanship are meditative acts - How design became a way to reclaim cultural pride - Navigating duality and staying authentic in a globalised world - Why belonging, intuition, and community are central to her work 📌 Watch now to explore how Nada Debs transformed personal struggles into a global design philosophy. 🎧 Available on YouTube and all podcast platforms. #Forward_Moves #NadaDebs #CulturalDesign #CraftAndStorytelling #EastAndEast #ContemporaryArabDesign #SacredGeometry #DesignWithSoul #MiddleEastCreatives #LebanonDesign #LebanonDesigner #UAEDesign  Follow us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forward_moves/  X: https://x.com/forward_moovz  Lina’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lina_movements/  Raja’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/octoraj/  Follow Nada: https://www.instagram.com/nadadebs/?hl=en  https://www.instagram.com/studionadadebs/?hl=en chapters: 00:00 Music Picks 01:43 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 03:18 Nada's Journey: From Japan to the Arab World 08:29 Discovering and Reviving Middle Eastern Craftsmanship 16:57 Creating a Modern Arab Identity Through Design 22:37 Pride in Cultural Heritage 22:42 East and East: A New Design Philosophy 23:01 Balancing Opposites in Design 23:32 The Designer's Intuition and DNA 24:18 Storytelling Through Furniture 25:15 Craftsmanship as Meditation 27:12 Embracing Duality and Identity 31:45 The Role of Community and Belonging 35:38 Navigating the Competitive Design World 36:52 Trusting Intuition and Staying Grounded 40:11 Final Thoughts Everyday AI: Your daily guide to grown with Generative AICan't keep up with AI? We've got you. Everyday AI helps you keep up and get ahead.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify Support the show

    42 min

  2. 24 APR

    Preserving the Fire: How Mohamed Maktabi Blends Heritage with Modernity

    Send us a text What happens when tradition meets bold vision in the world of design?  In this episode of Forward_Moves, hosts Lina Nahhas and Raja Haddad sit down with Mohammad Maktabi, the creative force behind Iwan Maktabi, to explore the powerful intersections of heritage, innovation, and personal transformation. From a family of renowned carpet merchants to a design visionary, Mohamed’s story blends tradition, bold reinvention, and timeless craft. 🌱 Discover how the self-proclaimed “city boy” became a nature enthusiast.  🧵 Hear how he brought ancient craft into the future.  🌍 Learn how Iwan Maktabi evolved from a Beirut boutique to a regional design powerhouse, now shaping Dubai’s creative landscape. Whether you're a design lover, entrepreneur, or creative thinker, this episode is full of rich insights on finding your voice, embracing change, and honoring where you come from. 📍 Available now on YouTube and all podcast platforms  🔗 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if you enjoy the episode! Follow us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forward_moves/  X: https://x.com/forward_moovz  Lina’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lina_movements/  Raja’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/octoraj/  Follow Mohamed:  https://www.instagram.com/iwanmaktabiofficial/  https://www.instagram.com/mo_maktabi/ chapters: 00:00 Introduction  00:31 Discovering a Love for Nature 01:59 Meet Mohammad Maktabi 03:22 Early Beginnings in the Family Business 07:04 The Influence of Family and Education 08:23 Blending Tradition with Modern Design 09:59 The Importance of Craftsmanship 18:31 Power of Repetition and Mastery 19:32 A Question from a Friend 22:19 A Journey to Istanbul 22:58 Father's Reaction to Patchwork Carpets 24:06 Blending Tradition with Modern Trends 25:13 Collaborations and Creative Challenges 30:29 Facing Setbacks and Perseverance 33:47 The Philosophy of Acceptance 38:37 Establishing a Flagship Store in Dubai 41:15 Future Vision and Community Engagement 43:33 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Everyday AI: Your daily guide to grown with Generative AICan't keep up with AI? We've got you. Everyday AI helps you keep up and get ahead.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify Support the show

    44 min

  3. 17 APR

    Can Art Change the Narrative? Sunny Rahbar on Vision, Risk & Reinvention

    Send us a text Welcome back to Season 2 of Forward_Moves! Hosts Lina Nahhas and Raja Haddad sit down for a raw, face-to-face conversation with Sunny Rahbar, co-founder of The Third Line gallery in Dubai. Together, they trace Sunny’s journey from post-9/11 New York to pioneering one of the region’s most impactful contemporary art spaces. 🎨 What You'll Hear  • How a personal crisis after 9/11 became a catalyst for cultural change  • Founding Bidoun magazine and The Third Line   • The role of art in reshaping narratives about the Middle East  • Mentorship, community, and the real work behind sustaining a gallery  • Sunny’s vision for the future—from gallery leadership to artist retreats in nature If you’re an artist, entrepreneur, or simply someone passionate about creativity and cultural legacy, this episode will speak to you. 🔔 Watch now and share with someone who needs a creative spark.  🎧 Available on YouTube and all podcast platforms. #Forward_Moves #SunnyRahbar #TheThirdLine #MiddleEasternArt #WomenInArt #DubaiArtScene #ArtistMentorship #ArtLeadership #CreativeEntrepreneurship #CulturalLegacy Follow us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forward_moves/  X: https://x.com/forward_moovz  Lina’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lina_movements/  Raja’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/octoraj/  Follow Sunny: https://www.instagram.com/sunra77/  Everyday AI: Your daily guide to grown with Generative AICan't keep up with AI? We've got you. Everyday AI helps you keep up and get ahead.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify Support the show

    43 min

  4. 10 APR

    Building an Art World from Scratch: Inside Dubai’s Creative Movement with Asmaa Al Shabibi

    Send us a text Season 2 kicks off with an inspiring conversation between hosts Lina Nahhas and Raja Haddad and special guest Asmaa Al Shabibi, co-founder of Lawrie Shabibi Gallery and a key figure in Dubai’s evolving art scene.  What’s Inside This Episode? 🏛️ How Asmaa transitioned from corporate law to curating groundbreaking art exhibitions. 🖼️ The early days of the Dubai Art movement & how it became a global hub. 🎨 Challenges Middle Eastern artists face & how galleries help shape their success. ⚖️ The fine balance between art, business, and passion in the creative industry. Asmaa’s story is a masterclass in reinvention, risk-taking, and resilience. Whether you're an entrepreneur, artist, or someone navigating career shifts, this conversation has valuable insights for you!  🔔 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share! #Forward_MovesPodcast #DubaiArtScene #Art #Gallery #MiddleEasternArt #Creativity #Entrepreneurship #ArtAndBusiness #NewSeason #ArtDubai2025 Follow us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forward_moves/  X: https://x.com/forward_moovz  Lina’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lina_movements/  Raja’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/octoraj/  Follow Asmaa: https://www.instagram.com/lawrieshabibi/  Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 00:31 Discussing Music Preferences and Misconceptions 02:03 Meet Asmaa Shabibi 02:50 Asmaa's Background and Career Journey 05:59 The Leap from Law to Art 13:14 Challenges and Entrepreneurial Insights 17:21 Differentiating in a Competitive Art Scene 20:22 Life in Bahrain and Cultural Mix 21:26 Advocating Through Art 22:21 Middle Eastern Art Perceptions 24:00 Challenges for Young and Mid-Career Artists 27:37 Balancing Passion and Profession 31:07 Finding Time for Hobbies 36:23 Reflections and Future Plans 38:56 Final Thoughts Everyday AI: Your daily guide to grown with Generative AICan't keep up with AI? We've got you. Everyday AI helps you keep up and get ahead.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify Support the show

    41 min

  5. 27 FEB

    Season One Finale: The Power of Movement, Identity, and Human Connection

    Send us a text In this face-to-face season finale episode of Forward_Moves, co-hosts Lina Nahhas and Raja Haddad open up about the origins of the podcast and their shared mission to celebrate art, creativity, and human connection. From the emotional depth of music to the transformative power of gratitude, this conversation explores how awareness and movement shape our identities and relationships. 🔍 What’s Inside: - Raja’s perspective on movement—how life is always in motion and the importance of flowing with its joys and challenges - Lina’s journey from the corporate world to founding The Sameness Project—a social innovation movement fostering empathy and connection - Why gratitude, awareness, and mentorship are essential for navigating life’s challenges Through intimate stories and reflective insights, this episode is a heartfelt reminder that life moves forward—and it’s up to us to embrace the journey. 👉 Watch now for a deep dive into art, identity, and the human spirit. #Forward_Moves #HumanConnection #Art #Identity #Gratitude #Movement  #NewPodcast #NewEpisode #ArabicArt #ArabicCommunity #UAE #Dubai  Follow us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forward_moves/  X: https://x.com/forward_moovz  Lina’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lina_movements/  Raja’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/octoraj/  Everyday AI: Your daily guide to grown with Generative AICan't keep up with AI? We've got you. Everyday AI helps you keep up and get ahead.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify Support the show

    42 min

  6. 20 FEB

    Letting Go & Finding Purpose with Dina Ghandour

    Send us a text Is success about pushing harder—or knowing when to surrender? In this episode of Forward_Moves, hosts Lina Nahhas & Raja Haddad talk to Dina Ghandour, a wellness expert and entrepreneur, about her journey from corporate PR to yoga, energy healing, and conscious entrepreneurship. Dina now leads yoga sessions, workshops, and retreats worldwide. As a certified Usui Reiki master, she specializes in energy healing and is a skilled womb and fertility massage therapist, helping women reconnect with their bodies. In this episode, she shares:  ✨ How yoga changed her life from age 15  ✨ Her leap from corporate PR to founding yApparel  ✨ Navigating uncertainty & embracing change  ✨ The commercialization of yoga & staying authentic  ✨ Breaking societal norms & finding true belonging A powerful conversation on growth, resilience, and redefining success. Watch now! 🔔 Like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring stories!  Follow us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forward_moves/  X: https://x.com/forward_moovz  Lina’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lina_movements/  Raja’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/octoraj/  Follow Dina: https://www.instagram.com/wellnesswithdina/?hl=en  Chapters: 00:00 Introduction: The Power of Music 02:29 Meet Dina Ghandour 03:11 Dina's Journey: From UAE to the US 03:48 Discovering Yoga: A Life-Changing VHS 08:49 Transition to Entrepreneurship 15:52 Challenges and Reflections 21:06 The Evolution of Yoga Practice 23:22 The Shift from Community to Commodity 24:35 The Impact of Modern Life on Well-being 27:15 Exploring Artistic Expression 30:29 The Role of Rebellion in Self-Expression 33:51 Questions from the Audience 37:06 Reflecting on Belonging and Community 41:35 Creating a New Online Space 42:49 Closing Words Everyday AI: Your daily guide to grown with Generative AICan't keep up with AI? We've got you. Everyday AI helps you keep up and get ahead.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify Support the show

    44 min

  7. 13 FEB

    Reinventing Creativity: Omar Al Gurg's Design Philosophy

    Send us a text What does it mean to create? Emirati designer and entrepreneur Omar Al Gurg, founder of Modu Method, believes everything is a reinvention—an evolution of what already exists. In this episode of Forward_Moves, hosts Lina Nahhas and Raja Haddad explore Omar’s journey of balancing architecture, furniture design, and storytelling while drawing inspiration from his Arab roots and global experiences. Here’s what you’ll learn:  🔹 Creativity & Reinvention – Is anything truly new? 🔹 The Power of Tactile Design – How sensory experiences shape our world. 🔹 Balancing Business & Art – Merging structure with freeform creativity. 🔹 Nature & Playfulness – How solitude, curiosity, and the natural world fuel creativity. 🔹 The Boldness of the ‘70s – Why Omar admires this era for its fearless self-expression. From childhood museum visits to shaping the future of sustainable design, Omar’s story is a testament to curiosity, adaptability, and passion.  🎧 Tune in for a deep dive into the intersections of art, business, and personal growth. ✨ #Design #Creativity #Entrepreneurship #Forward_Moves #SustainableDesign #Architecture #InteriorDesign #EmiratiDesigner #Dubai #UAE Follow us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forward_moves/  X: https://x.com/forward_moovz  Lina’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lina_movements/  Raja’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/octoraj/  Follow Omar: https://www.instagram.com/oalgurg/?hl=en  Chapters: 00:00 Introduction  01:32 Influence Of the ‘80s 02:18 Omar AlGurk's Background 03:45 Creative Philosophy and Challenges 06:22 Balancing Creativity and Business 09:34 The Role of Sensory Experience 18:20 Navigating Client Relationships 22:47 Maintaining Work-Life Balance 23:29 Struggling with Work-Life Balance 23:50 Finding Stillness in Nature 26:44 The Importance of Alone Time 27:00 Living in Dubai and the Need for Solitude 29:04 The Healing Power of Activities 31:02 Books and Their Influence 37:12 Mentorship and Community 42:22 Advice to the Younger Self 44:19 Concluding Thoughts Everyday AI: Your daily guide to grown with Generative AICan't keep up with AI? We've got you. Everyday AI helps you keep up and get ahead.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify Support the show

    47 min

  8. 6 FEB

    Amrita Sethi On The Intersection Of Art, Tech And Personal Transformation

    Send us a text Can sound become art? Can technology reshape storytelling? 🎨🎧 In this episode of Forward_Moves, hosts Lina Nahhas & Raja Haddad sit down with Amrita Sethi, a former banker turned award-winning digital artist and an NFT artist in the UAE. She pioneered Soundbite Art, blending AR, VR, and blockchain to bring sound waves to life in visual form. 🌊 From a career in banking to pioneering digital art, Amrita shares:  ✅ How a retreat in Goa reignited her creativity  ✅ Navigating traditional art vs. crypto spaces  ✅ The concept behind Bucket Monsters and personal growth An inspiring conversation on art, technology, and NFTs—don’t miss it! 🔔 Like, comment & subscribe for more! #Forward_Moves #AmritaSethi #NFTArt #DigitalArt #AR #Blockchain #Creativity #ArabicArt #Art #ArabicCulture #inspiration #uae #dubai #soundbite  chapters: 00:00 Introduction 02:46 Amrita Sethi's Background 05:10 Journey into Economics and Banking 07:33 Spiritual Awakening and Artistic Rediscovery 11:27 The Birth of Soundbite Art 15:34 Navigating the Art and Tech Worlds 20:44 Challenges and Success in the NFT Space 24:07 The Gatekeeping of Traditional Art 24:56 Embracing the Crypto World 25:58 The Fine Line Between Chasing and Attracting 27:50 Navigating the Art and Tech Fusion 31:13 The Concept of Soundscapes 38:55 The Bucket Monsters Analogy 43:59 The Role of Tech in Art 49:03 Final Thoughts and Reflections Everyday AI: Your daily guide to grown with Generative AICan't keep up with AI? We've got you. Everyday AI helps you keep up and get ahead.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify Support the show

    52 min
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About

Forward_Moves is a podcast hosted by Lina Nahhas and Raja Haddad, that shares lived experiences and stories of successful personalities in the Middle East from the creative world of art, design, entertainment, hospitality, business, and other disciplines.

Information

  • Creator
    Raja Haddad
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Forward_Moves
  • Show Website
    Forward_Moves

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