Smart but Dumb

This episode is all about how Haitian French Chilean Singer-songwriter-performer, AYIITI, tackles issues such as having different audiences, belonging to different cultures as well as musical evolution that is in tune to all the facets of her and her audience's identity. In this episode we do a deep-dive on the creative process of an international performer, how creative pivots are made (while staying authentic), how social media can affect one's career and how one can cater to his/her evolving audience. Follow AYIITI on Instagram, AYIITI Music on YouTube and pretty much on all other social media platforms as AYIITI! AYIITI's song: Más by AYIITI (coming out soon!) & check her out on Spotify here! Follow @smartbutdumbpod for all podcast updates!

This episode is with PhD candidate, Intimacy and Sex Expert (and High-School friend), Tugce Balik. She talks to me about all things intimacy, pleasure, self love (and how those things look different to everybody), chemistry vs. compatibility, erotic communication and more. Listen to how Tugce tackles the taboos surrounding sexuality, how she normalizes them, and how she's on a mission to help people to feel their best. Tugce's song: Boo Thang (feat. Devin Morrison) by VanJess Follow her on IG @TugceBalik Follow @smartbutdumbpod on IG for all podcast updates!

Today's episode is with an old colleague of mine, Alex Russel. Alex is the Assistant Vice President Of Political Risk and Structured Credit at Marsh and in this episode he talks to me about what political risk insurance is, what events are could be considered as a risk to a company, what is claimable, how it is calculated and who the key players are in the industry.  Alex's song: Artsy by The Grouch Follow @smartbutdumbpod on Instagram for all podcast updates and hit subscribe on your favorite podcast platform!

Listen to my chat with New Zealand's very own singer songwriter, Alayna. We discuss songwriting, how it works, the artist- songwriter dynamic, the business behind it, and the mechanisms that are in place to write a hit song! She also tells me about how murky the waters get when it comes to music rights and one can draw the line between inspiration and plagiarism/infringement. Alayna's song: Tender by Alayna Note: I'll be Seeing You is my fav! Follow her on Instagram @alaynamusic_ and check out her music on your fav streaming platform here! Follow @smartbutdumbpod on Instagram for all podcast updates and hit subscribe on your favorite podcast platform!

Today's episode is all about how shopping small and shopping locally can help preserve tradition and heritage around a common love we all share: food! To help break down this phenomena is Entrepreneur, Consultant, Engineer and Co-Founder of a specialized "mouneh" épicerie fine, Feryal, in Beirut (Lebanon), Kamel Taha. We discuss the importance of reviving food traceability in Lebanon and in the region, how an extensive excel file and detailed Google Maps got him to opening the boutique of his foodie dreams, how preserving local heritage through food works, and how his business model generates value for both local food producers and keen food loving consumers alike. Order your mouneh from Feryal's website (they have worldwide shipping!) : www.feryalboutique.com Follow @feryal.boutique & Kamel on his personal IG @ktaha Kamel's song: No Man No Cry by Jimmy Sax Follow @smartbutdumbpod on Instagram for all podcast updates and hit subscribe on your favorite podcast platform!

Smart But Dumb is back! Kicking off season 2 with my friend, Dahlia Dandashi! Dahlia is a Lebanese/Syrian-American creative content producer who was born in Houston, Texas but grew up in Dubai, UAE. Though she began her career as a writer and editor, she transitioned to freelance content production focusing on photography, creative direction, copywriting and social media management. She now works full-time as a social content producer at a creative/media agency in New York City. Her nostalgia for the 90's is both evident from her Instagram profile as well as her music taste that you'll get to discover in this episode as we discuss all things content creation. Hear all about why "content is king" and what the content creation process actually looks like. And to add more to her portfolio, Dahlia's personal poetry, photography and projects also often explore themes of identity, womanhood and the Arab culture. Find her (and feel free to DM her your q's) on Instagram @dahliadandashi & check out her website! Dahlia's song of choice: "That's What You Get" by Paramore Some of Dahlia's fav bands: All Time Low, My Chemical Romance, Busted, Taking Back Sunday Follow @smartbutdumbpod on Instagram for all podcast updates!

This Friday is Papa day so cue the Gwen Stefani! I speak to my father, Fadi, about his bread and butter- BANANAS! He tells me about the structure of the business, how the dynamics have and will continue to change, and shines a light on a product behind not only some of the most iconic brands but behind political agendas throughout modern history. Fadi's song: Banana Boat by Harry Belafonte Chiquita (United Fruit Company) Banana Advertisement from the 40's Find Fadi and his many facets on YouTube! Follow @smartbutdumbpod on Instagram for all podcast updates!

I chat with Poonam Daswani, Director of Finance at a nonprofit, Village Health Works, to talk about how NGOs are navigating today's climate. She tells me about what nonprofits need to do to stay economically viable and socially relevant these days and how a shift in priorities and diversification of revenue streams can pave the way forward.  Poonam's song: Jamming by Bob Marley  Find Poonam on Linkedin & on Instagram @poonamkdaswani  Follow @smartbutdumbpod on Instagram for all podcast updates! 

My Freshman college year suitemate, Ashley, NYU Stern grad, now a Manager of Corporate Strategy at Breakthru Beverage Group, a wine and spirit distributor gives me a "what-I-need-to-know-about-wine"- 101 talk. She's my WINEY friend without any whining. She took her passion for wine and really took it to the next level- she tells me how to describe wine, what the main types are, and how I can handle ordering wine at a restaurant or shop with ease.  Ashley's song: Scenes from an Italian Restaurant by Billy Joel

I chat with a high school friend now illustrator, Adem Kaan, who breaks down the business and BTS of illustrating. He tells me all about what his job actually entails, how he gets it done, famous illustrators that I should know about and how social media can help an illustrator's career. Adem's industry references & inspirations: Shepherd Ferry Marjane Satrapi Christian Patchell @monster_comics Frank Frazetta @frazettagirls Mike Mignola @artofmm Adem's song: It Might be Time by Tame Impala Find @ademkaanillustration on Instagram & check out his website theakstudio.com to see more of his amazing work! Follow @smartbutdumbpod on Instagram for all podcast updates

Part II of my conversation with hospitality professional, Karim Agha, where we talk about how restaurants can play a huge role in returning-citizen employment in the United States. He tells me about the staggering unemployment in the returning citizens' community, recidivism, and how COVID 19 is making the unemployment process even more disadvantageous to these communities. Listen to Karim's insights to see how a welcoming industry should surpass reluctance to hire to embrace a largely segregated segment of society. Karim's tips & resources: Tips: check out the recidivism stats in your community and see what you can do to help! DC area: DC Central Kitchen , Urban Institute , Council for Court Excellence Some restaurant businesses that promote this hiring practice: Edwin's in Cleveland, Cala in San Francisco Ben & Jerry's partnership with Greyston Karim's song: Wishing Well by Terence Trent D'Arby Follow @smartbutdumbpod on Instagram for all podcast updates!

In Part I of my chat with Karim Agha, we talk restaurants in a COVID/post-COVID world. Karim is a hospitality professional with highly diverse experience leading or overseeing multinational projects involving restaurant openings, operations management, training & development, and systems optimization and is committed to continuously examining and facilitating the intersection of food service innovation, technology and social empowerment. In this conversation, Karim breaks down how slim the margins for survival are in the restaurant industry are, how COVID make a weak system a lot weaker, what pivots are going to have to be made and the trends that coming along with them. Stay tuned for Part II of my chat with Karim on Friday June 26th, 2020 episode. Make sure to follow all podcast updates on Instagram @smartbutdumbpod!

Nicolas Sabet, Associate Attorney at K&L Gates in Washington D.C., where he is a member of the Sports Law and Corporate/M&A practice group, breaks down a world very much unknown to me: the world of esports. He tells me about the sudden growth of this branch of the video gaming industry and how companies are identifying interesting marketing plays to viewership of all ages. Listen to his episode to see how this attorney leaned into his passion and is deep into the business, tells me about the biggest games, titles, what all of the different roles in the biz are, and how some of these games are addressing the social climate in the United States right now. Nicolas' artists: Frank Sinatra & A Boogie Wit da Hoodie Find Nicolas Sabet on LinkedIn Follow @smartbutdumbpod on Instagram for all podcast updates!

I chat with Licensed Associated Real Estate Broker at Compass and Harvard grad, Ravi Manglani, who tells me all about how COVID impacted one of the world's biggest and hottest real estate markets: New York City. We talk about how the recoveries will differ for the residential and commercial markets and what tech niche is now looking to be filled in the real estate industry as well his top tips for renters, buyers and sellers looking to navigate real estate in New York City right now. Ravi's mentioned tech company for 3D tech: Matterport Ravi's song: Celebration by Maffio, Farruko & Akon Find Ravi on Instagram for insightful and hilarious content @rmanglani Follow @smartbutdumbpod on Instagram for all podcast updates!

CHOCOLATE, CHOCOLATE, CHOCOLATE! In this episode I learn all about making arguably one of the most loved food items, with an engineer and management consultant turned chocolatier: Noor! She is NO Chocolate's Founder but also chocolatier, packer, shipper, marketing, social media, sales, ops, and everything in between! Noor tells me about how she uses her career shift to her creative and business advantage, and how she sole handedly built a brand around making chocolate that is healthy, decadent, and most importantly: happy! (in the notoriously competitive F&B space). Find NO Chocolate on Instagram @_no_chocolate Shop NO Chocolate on www.no-chocolate.com/shop & on shop.miramikati.com Noor's NO Chocolate Spotify Playlist Follow @smartbutdumbpod on Instagram for all podcast updates!

This episode is all about how airline travel, one of the first industries to be hit the fastest since the start of the COVID-19 crisis. Professional airline pilot (and another super international guest), Cailean, shares his insights as to how he thinks people (and whom) will go about airline travel, how his job as a pilot will shift, how airlines will handle safety, cleanliness, country limitations and profitability during this strange time. Find Cailean on Instagram @avcstiles Cailean's song: If You're Too Shy (Let Me Know) by The 1975 Follow @smartbutdumbpod on Instagram for all podcast updates!

This episode is all about sex ed for adults, i.e. what we really need to know, no middle school stuff here. I chat with Sara, Georgetown University International Politics & Premed and American University of Beirut med school grad, with research stints in Switzerland and in the U.S., who is now currently in her second year at Baylor College of Medicine in Obstetrics & Gynecology. We talk emergency contraception, long-acting reversible contraceptions (larcs), what to do if you want to get pregnant, STD's, PCOS, and why it's so important to be safe, get tested and understand our anatomies! Sara's Tips -Chicas: Go see your gyno! -Check the CDC's website for more info on Sexual Health, Reproductive Health, Pregnancy, Cancers & more -Submit any q's you have for her on @smartbutdumbpod on IG! Sara's song: death bed (coffee for your head) feat beabadoobee by Powfu Follow @smartbutdumbpod on Instagram for all podcast updates!

In this episode, I chat with my childhood friend and my real life Dr. Ross Geller , Columbia University and University of Cambridge PHD grad, Dr. Karim Mukaddem about solar energy. He tells me about what our current energy consumption looks like and its sometimes problematic implications- and breaks down solar energy: where it's at, where it's headed, why it's valuable and most importantly: how it works! Karim emphasizes the importance of us doing more individual scientific research to understand the real data behind media headlines and tells me that he discovered his must-know song (hint: think Eurovision song contest) on TikTok! Karim's Resources: Annual energy usage and breakdown by source Energy consumption breakdown by type of consumer Potential of solar energy and harvestability Tesla Solar Panels Bulb UK Science Direct Karim's published research on Google Scholar Karim's song: Think About Things by Daōi Freyr (Iceland's 2020 Eurovision song) Follow @smartbutdumbpod on IG for all podcast updates

Laura Ayoub, also referred to as "Loly" or "Loly Pole" reminds me of what JLO famously said: life's a party make it hot! Laura left a 10+year career in the hospitality industry after falling in love with pole dancing on a bachelorette trip in the south of France. Listen to how she has since not only taken up the sport but has become a pole ambassador not only in Lebanon where she is based, but throughout the MENA region. She tells me about how pole is a discipline that is not only extremely addictive, but how it has this great than power to connect you to your sensuality-and empowers you to be your most confident and badass self! And if this PSA is even necessary: Pole dancing ≠ stripping! Find @lolypole and her dance academy @polefitlebanon on IG Laura's song: Strange Birds by Birdy Follow @smartbutdumbpod on IG for all podcast updates!

Today, Jai Shah, NYU Stern grad & co-founder at Nu Hotels based in Dubai, an owner-operator hotel company with projects in East and West Africa, talks to me about what he thinks the world of hotels will look like as travel is slowly but surely starting back up again. He tells me about what hotels have to their advantage over home rentals, and how customers (at least for the near future) will interact with both accommodation options. Also how we'll be taking proximity and cleanliness more seriously than ever before! Jai's LinkedIn Jai's song: Roses - Imanbek Remix by SAINt JHN & Imanbek Follow @smartbutdumbpod on IG for all podcast updates!

This episode tackles two of my favorite topics: pop culture & NBC's "The Office". To help me break down why the American remake of the British cringe-worthy comedy TV show is so good and is key to American pop culture as we know it, is my friend, Pierre. He tackles the different aspects of the show that are not easy to replicate and are just so goddamn comforting! See how a show about a paper branch in Scranton, Pennsylvania, is in fact not just about an office and was able to tap into America's societal problems through a (very!) comedic lens, and how season after season (long after its end in 2013), was the most watched show on Netflix in 2019 and why people are still nostalgically rushing towards it! In Pierre's words, just watch the show in order to "not be lame". Follow @smartbutdumbpod on IG for all podcast updates!

Today, I chat with Krishna, Brand Marketing Manager at Uber, with previous stints at Cadillac and American Express (and fellow NYU grad), to discuss the present and futures of the auto and ride share industries, specifically through a branding and marketing lens. He tells me the products and services offered in those industries will need to be marketed to us as consumers to ensure their success and what kind of brands are well equipped to adapt to the climate moving forward. Krishna's resources: NYU Stern Professor Scott Gallaway's Podcast PIVOT P.S. Read Scott Galloway's predictions on higher education in the US in NYMAG Krishna's song: Sugar & Brownies by DHARIA Follow Krishna on IG @kdaswani Follow @smartbutdumbpod on IG for all podcast updates!

Italo-French Giulia, in fashion by day, hostess with the mostest by night, tells us why everybody should take up cooking and how you don't need a bunch of fancy appliances to do so - just a good ol' pot & pan! And don't fret, just ignore the 25 ingredient-long recipes, have a mise en place, put on some good tunes and you'll be surprised! She gives us all easy tips and tricks to become a cool home cook without freaking out, especially when you realize that our outside world dining experiences are going to be (somewhat) out of reach for a while!  Recipes & Tips Dorie Greenspan & Pierre Hermé's, “World Peace Cookies” (as per Giulia's recommendation, add some Vanilla ice cream!)  Go-to recipes & tips : bonappetit.com, New York Times Cooking Only appliance you really need: an immersion blender Follow Frank Prisinzano on IG for easy cooking tips  GB's Meals for you to make Protein: Roast chicken that you have in a salad the next day and use the carcasses to make a broth Pasta: Pasta alla norma (can swap out the eggplant with zucchini) with ricotta salata  Soup: Zucchini soup (you'll need onions, broth (optional) pot, immersion blender) Veggies: zucchini Salad: Remember to make your salads salty (e.g. goat cheese) , crunchy (shallots or nuts), colorful (anything!) & (optionally) warm (farro, rice). Also a fan of Salade Nicoise  Dessert: Foolproof Chocolate Mousse (you only need chocolate & eggs!) Weekend brunch dish: Loring Place's Pancakes, recipe on their IG @loringplacenyc  Follow Smart but Dumb @smartbutdumbpod on Instagram for all podcast updates 

Meet Yahya Wahbeh, Head of UX at Unibuddy and previously at Microsoft and Tesla, to name a few! Yahya tells me all about UX, I.e. the experience of a person using a product - and why UX matters (and makes sure that I'll never be caught saying the acronym without knowing what it really means, again). We dive into the structure of his industry, its pillars and some important do's and don'ts - so anyone with a website or an app (or plans of building one) : take note! 'Yahya's tips/resources: Jacob's Law, Hick's Law AngeList (job listings) Upwork (for freelance gigs) Check out Yahya on Instagram @thelastturtle Yahya's songs: Blind Pilot (indie band) , Hip hop jazz playlists on YouTube for when he's working, & Romare (artist) for a more upbeat vibe! Follow Smart but Dumb on Instagram for all podcast updates @smartbutdumbpod

“Agriculture has always been, in any age, at the forefront of technological development" - Mohamad I know nothing about Ag-Tech so I decided to go to my childhood friend, Mohamad, for an explanation as to what this intersection of agriculture and technology actually is and the effect it has on our lives and planet (did you know that 10 dairy cows consume the same energy as 1 household?!) Mohamad is the Co-Founder & CEO of Rakr, an Ag-Tech company focusing on the farming aspect of the industry, where their NeatMeter technology helps farmers grow better farms by identifying various opportunities to reduce increasingly spiking farming operational costs. Learn about the (largely unknown) problems that farmers are facing and why it's in our best interest to help these key economic actors. Check out RAKR on their website: www.rakr.ca Mohamad's song: Caution by the Killers Follow Smart but Dumb on Instagram for all podcast & episode updates!

Listen to Giorgia, a.k.a Gio, President of Massimo Bonini New York, share her tips for how fashion brands can be built then survive during and after this crisis. Gio tells me how new brands can compete with established heritage institutions by using their agility to their advantage as well as why she's optimistic about the future- on condition that the fashion industry takes this opportunity to rethink what wasn't working in its business model. Tune in to hear Gio's insights on the past, present and the uncertain future of the fashion industry! Find Giorgia on Instagram @giorgiabonini! Giorgia's song: Juice by Lizzo (as she said, always a vibe!) Follow Smart but Dumb on Instagram for all episode updates!

Sit down with your headphones in, with me and Malini, Senior Director on the Influencer & Social Media marketing team within a global leading media/entertainment company, as she tells me about influencers and influencing. She explains what an influencer actually is, the inner workings of the business of influence (she's got a 10 year+ career in the biz!) We dive into how carefully designed campaigns can work for all kinds of brands-when done right, of course! She tells me why "influencers drive culture, and culture drives commerce" and whether the influencer bubble is indeed bursting, especially during a time where consumers look for entertainment and connection in what could be a long-term socially-distanced world. Find Malini & Hit her up with any q's on Instagram: (and follow her rollercoaster from going from have a private to public profile): @malzipop Malini's (legendary, hit-the-spot) playlist: A little bit of this. A little bit of that. Malini's songs: Freedom by Kygo & Zak Abel, Caution by the Killers, For Aisha by MEMBA, EVAN GIIA & Cherry by Harry Styles (Album) The song I thought Malini was talking about: Faith (with Dolly Parton) feat. Mr. Probz by Galantis Follow Smart but Dumb on Instagram for all podcast updates!

Listen to Sanj, Telecom & Media/Entertainment Product Strategist, break down the world of streaming video content! With more time spent at home these days, it feels like there are more options (and marketing pressure) than ever to subscribe, watch and binge! Sanj tells me why that is, how it can feel like an episode of "The Bachelor" with all of the options available, where she thinks the future of this crowded space is going and that despite the battle of the streaming platforms, why cable isn't going anywhere (*cough cough* sports fans!)  Sanj's song: Toosie Slide by Drake  Follow the pod on IG: @smartbutdumbpod & submit any questions/topic requests you have!  Platforms discussed: Quibi, Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, NBC's Peacock, Amazon Prime, Showtime, HBO Go, HBO Max & HBO Now *Note: All of the views expressed in this episode are her own!

Tune in to the first episode of Smart But Dumb where I discuss the underrated benefits of exercise with modern athlete, Aussie legend, and co-founder of the badass gals running club @thedemonclub, Madeline, otherwise known as Madbod! Listen to how an attitude change got her into long-distance running and how she now helps other girls around her to do the same for their wellbeing!

Check out Smart But Dumb, a podcast hosted by me, Rayya, where every Wednesday and Friday, my friends from all walks of life teach me a thing or two to make me (sound) smarter- and hopefully you too!