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Where do you put your money in the Gulf right now? Loulou sits down with one of the UAE's most experienced investors to read the region as it actually is in June 2026: the regional war still the dominant story, the World Cup just under way and more. HE Faisal Belhoul is a veteran Emirati investor and entrepreneur, former Vice Chair of Dubai Chambers, and chairman of UAE second-division football club Fursan Hispania (co-built with Real Madrid legend Michel Salgado). He has been one of the most consistent backers of operators building global businesses out of Dubai for two decades. For students, fresh graduates and aspiring founders, Belhoul closes with the single quality he backs in founders, the apprentice model he believes in, and the line he was given by a founder he is mentoring: "I eat 'no' for breakfast." Chapters: 01:57 - The Three Big Stories of the Week 03:15 - Football as a Family Affair: 22 Years Waiting for Arsenal 5:28 - Mohamed Salah and Football's Soft Power 16:38 - Why Sport Survives the AI Era 20:52 - Dubai Chambers and the Private Sector's Role 26:29 - How Moove Grew From $10M to $400M Revenue 36:43 - Can Expats Still Build a Life Here at 60? 38:10 - Golden Visas and What Comes Next 43:01 - INJAZ and the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs 44:44 - The One Founder Trait Belhoul Backs: Perseverance Follow Loulou Khazen Instagram: /louloukhazen LinkedIn: /louloukhazen X (Twitter): /louloukhazen Follow the guests HE Faisal Belhoul Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/faisalbelhoul/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faisalbelhoulofficial/ Also available on Apple Podcasts https://bit.ly/3Stm32D Spotify https://bit.ly/3H1vzHO Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

For this episode, let's revisit a Strategy Skills classic featuring an interview with a former Monitor Associate partner and Chief Learning Officer of Teach For America, co-CEO of Transcend, and the author of Ask: Tap Into the Hidden Wisdom of People Around You for Unexpected Breakthroughs In Leadership and Life, Jeff Wetzler. In this book, Jeff offers a hands-on, surprisingly effective way to find out what others really think, know, and feel. Jeff brings you a powerful method called The Ask Approach™, based on a simple premise that tapping into what other people truly think, know, and feel is a game-changing superpower. Ask leads to smarter decisions, more creative solutions, and deeper relationships.    Jeff Wetzler is co-CEO of Transcend, a nationally recognized innovation organization, and an expert in learning and human potential. Wetzler combines unique leadership experiences spanning more than 25 years in business and education, as a management consultant to the world's top corporations, a learning facilitator for leaders around the world, and as Chief Learning Officer at Teach For America. Jeff earned a Doctorate in Adult Learning and Leadership from Columbia University and a bachelor's in psychology from Brown University. Based in New York, he is a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network and is an Edmund Hillary Fellow. Get Jeff's new book here: https://rb.gy/6i05b7 Ask: Tap Into the Hidden Wisdom of People Around You for Unexpected Breakthroughs In Leadership and Life   Here are some free gifts for you: Overall Approach Used in Well-Managed Strategy Studies free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/OverallApproach McKinsey & BCG winning resume free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/resumepdf Enjoying this episode? Get access to sample advanced training episodes here: www.firmsconsulting.com/promo

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You can be thin, active, and still carry dangerous visceral fat around your organs. Unlike subcutaneous fat you can pinch, visceral fat is hidden deep in the abdomen and strongly linked to heart disease, insulin resistance, fatty liver, and early mortality. More cardio is not always the answer. Visceral fat is hormonally driven and protected by insulin and cortisol. Chronic stress and long-duration cardio can actually increase cortisol, making it harder to lose stubborn belly fat. In this episode, Ben shares a simple strategy: 25 squats twice per day. Squats activate the largest muscle groups in the body, improve insulin sensitivity, and stimulate GLUT-4 transporters to pull glucose out of the bloodstream and into muscles. Lower insulin levels mean less protection for visceral fat. You'll learn: The difference between subcutaneous and visceral fat Why cortisol promotes abdominal fat storage How muscle contraction sends a fat-burning signal Why resistance training is crucial after age 45 What to expect in the first days and weeks Simple squat modifications for all fitness levels Why stacking nutrition, sleep, and recovery matters The squat is the ignition.The lifestyle stack determines the acceleration. Ben also shares details about his 14-Day Metabolic Reset and a free 7-day drug-free belly fat protocol to help you lower insulin, preserve muscle, and reclaim metabolic control. Remember: You are not trying harder. You are sending the right signal.

In this episode, Ben exposes the metabolic truth about “100% fruit juice” and why it behaves more like liquid sugar than real fruit.

Fat loss stalled? Low energy? It might not be calories — it could be fatty liver. In this episode, Ben explains how fatty liver silently slows metabolism long before symptoms appear, and why it is one of the most overlooked reasons for stubborn weight gain. You'll learn: • How liquid sugar and constant snacking overload the liver• Why insulin is the real fat-storage hormone• The power of a simple 12–16 hour fasting window• How walking after meals can blunt insulin spikes by over 30 percent• Why sleep is essential for restoring liver insulin sensitivity• The truth about fruit, alcohol, and dietary fat• Why coffee can either heal or harm your liver depending on quality Ben also breaks down how to reverse fatty liver naturally with a simple 3-step protocol: remove the overload, restore insulin signaling, and support detox. Plus, he shares a free egg-based protocol designed to help you lose the last 10 pounds while improving liver health. If your metabolism feels stuck, this episode will help you understand why — and what to do about it. Share this with someone who needs it and remember to practice Vitamin G: gratitude. New customers get 20% off with code BENAZADI at https://bit.ly/4rV6vEE  FREE GUIDE: How To Lose 1 Pound Of Fat Per Day HERE - https://bit.ly/4j45Yxa

In this episode, Ben Azadi explains the five metabolic levels of fat loss and why most people feel stuck despite dieting, exercising, and eating “clean.” Fat loss is not about willpower or calories. It is about hormones, inflammation, and metabolic signaling. Many people fail because they are using the wrong strategy for the metabolic level their body is currently in. Ben breaks down each level, from the Frozen Phase, where the body is in survival mode and unable to burn fat, to Fat-Burning Freedom, where fat loss becomes effortless and sustainable. You will learn: Why caloric restriction and excessive cardio backfire How insulin resistance and inflammation block fat loss Why eating clean is not enough without proper timing and protein How intermittent fasting, strength training, and recovery reset metabolism What it truly takes to lose 25–50+ pounds and keep it off This episode reframes fat loss as a metabolic progression and provides clarity for anyone who has struggled with plateaus, rebounds, or frustration on their health journey.

Most people unknowingly sabotage their metabolism and liver health first thing in the morning. In this episode, Ben explains why common “healthy” breakfasts spike insulin, shut down fat burning, and block liver repair before the day even begins. You'll learn what actually happens in your body overnight, why morning insulin sensitivity is so fragile, and how sugary or carb-heavy breakfasts lock you into fat storage mode all day long. Ben breaks down the hidden sugar content in foods like smoothies, oatmeal, cereal, yogurt, and juice, and explains why this is a timing issue, not a willpower issue. Ben also shares a simple liver-reset morning protocol, including when to delay breakfast, when to eat, and what to eat to support fat burning, stable energy, and better labs. He answers common questions about fasting, muscle loss, women's hormones, smoothies, and why traditional breakfast advice is outdated. If you struggle with stubborn belly fat, morning brain fog, energy crashes, or worsening labs despite “doing everything right,” this episode will change how you think about breakfast forever.

In this episode, Ben Azadi reveals why dessert isn't the real problem—insulin is. He breaks down the science behind a surprising fat-burning, muscle-building dessert made with hard-boiled eggs and explains how the right nighttime nutrition can actually support fat loss, improve insulin sensitivity, reduce cravings, and enhance overnight recovery. Ben walks through each ingredient in this metabolic mousse, explaining how protein, healthy fats, minerals, and strategic sweetness work together to stabilize blood sugar, calm stress hormones, and keep your metabolism burning while you sleep. He also answers common questions about calories, fasting, insulin resistance, and eating at night. This episode challenges outdated diet myths and offers a practical, biology-based strategy for anyone who struggles with nighttime cravings, stubborn belly fat, or metabolic resistance.

Weak grip strength is not a normal part of aging. It is often an early warning sign of metabolic dysfunction. In this episode, Ben explains how issues like insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, mitochondrial decline, and mineral depletion can weaken nerve signaling and muscle function, especially in the hands. Grip strength is one of the strongest predictors of longevity, independence, and overall metabolic health. You'll learn why people can look fit yet still struggle with weak hands, cramping, or fatigue, and how these symptoms often appear years before serious disease. Ben breaks down the four main root causes behind grip weakness and shares a simple daily protocol to restore strength. The episode covers insulin resets, nutrition strategies, mineral support, protein intake, grip training, and the role of creatine in improving strength and muscle signaling. Ben also explains why chronic stress and inflammation accelerate metabolic decline and how gratitude can positively impact metabolism. This episode offers practical, actionable steps you can start today to rebuild grip strength, improve energy, and protect long-term metabolic health. CLICK To Get Your Creatine - MYOXCIENCE Use Coupon Code "FREEDOM" for 25% off - https://bit.ly/4qTgABP 

Yellow teeth are not just a cosmetic issue. They are often a metabolic signal linked to saliva pH, gut health, liver function, and mineral balance. Most whitening strips and bleaching products do not fix the root cause. They temporarily whiten teeth while weakening enamel, increasing porosity, disrupting the oral microbiome, and causing rebound staining over time. Teeth are porous, like a hard sponge. When saliva becomes acidic, stains bind more easily, enamel weakens faster, and whitening results do not last. Common internal drivers of yellow teeth include acid reflux or silent GERD, gut dysbiosis, liver congestion, mineral deficiencies, chronic dehydration, and inflammation. This episode breaks down a natural, root-cause whitening protocol that supports enamel instead of damaging it. Key strategies include using baking soda and activated charcoal safely once per week, oil pulling with coconut oil, and restoring saliva pH through nutrition and mineral intake. You will also learn which foods support healthy saliva pH, which foods and drinks actively damage enamel, and why frequent snacking worsens staining even with healthy foods. The core message: your smile is metabolic, not cosmetic. Fix the internal imbalance, and whitening becomes natural and long-lasting.

In this episode, Ben Azadi reveals the hidden risks of Ozempic and GLP-1 weight loss drugs that are rarely discussed. While these medications may lead to quick weight loss, Ben explains why much of that loss comes from muscle, not fat, and how this can slow metabolism and increase long-term fat regain. You'll learn the critical difference between weight loss and true fat loss, why muscle is essential for metabolic health, and how appetite suppression can quietly sabotage hormones, energy, and recovery. Ben breaks down the four real drivers of weight gain: insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, gut dysfunction, and nutrient depletion. This episode also covers why Ozempic is not a moral or willpower issue, but a metabolic signaling problem, and why obesity is a hormonal condition, not a personal failure. Ben shares a science-backed alternative approach focused on lowering insulin naturally, preserving muscle through resistance training, and healing the gut to restore hunger signals. If you or someone you love is using Ozempic or considering it, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and a sustainable path to real metabolic health without dependency on drugs.

You don't have a willpower problem. You have an insulin problem. In this episode, Ben Azadi breaks down nine foods commonly marketed as “healthy” that are secretly spiking insulin, blocking fat burning, and keeping belly fat stuck, even if you're eating clean or cutting calories. You'll learn why fat loss is driven by hormones, not calories, and how insulin shuts down your body's ability to burn stored fat. Ben explains how foods like whole wheat bread, fruit juice, instant oatmeal, protein bars, low-fat yogurt, almond milk, agave, granola, and whole grain cereal can all create metabolic gridlock. More importantly, he shares simple food swaps that lower insulin faster than fasting, reduce cravings, stabilize energy, and restore metabolic flexibility. This episode also challenges the calories-in vs calories-out myth, explains why food quality matters more than calorie counting, and reinforces a core truth of metabolic health: you don't lose weight to get healthy, you get healthy to lose weight. You'll also hear about: How insulin locks fat storage in place Why fructose targets the liver and increases visceral fat The role of inflammation in stubborn weight gain Why breakfast sets your fat-burning or fat-storing mode for the day Simple swaps that can flatten your belly within a week

Waking up in the middle of the night to pee is not normal, even if it only happens once. This episode reveals why nighttime urination is an early metabolic warning sign, not a bladder or prostate issue. Ben explains how insulin resistance, blood sugar spikes, cortisol, and disrupted hormones interfere with deep sleep, fat burning, and brain detoxification. When sleep is interrupted, belly fat increases, hormones fall out of balance, and the brain's nighttime cleaning process shuts down. You'll learn the five main metabolic causes behind nighttime urination, including late-night eating, alcohol, electrolyte imbalance, high cortisol, and fluid shifts in the body. Ben also shares simple changes you can start tonight to sleep through the night again. This episode breaks down why most doctors miss this signal, how insulin resistance can exist years before diabetes, and how fixing metabolic signals can restore sleep, energy, fat loss, and long-term health. If you're waking up to pee, feeling wired but tired, or struggling with stubborn belly fat, this episode could change everything.

Coffee can be one of the healthiest drinks in the world or one of the most damaging, depending on how and when you drink it. In this episode, Ben breaks down 7 hidden coffee dangers that silently disrupt your gut, liver, hormones, sleep, and fat-burning ability, plus simple fixes to make coffee work for your metabolism instead of against it. What You'll Learn: Why drinking coffee on an empty stomach can spike cortisol and slow fat loss How artificial creamers, seed oils, and sweeteners damage gut bacteria and overload the liver The overlooked danger of mold toxins (mycotoxins) in most coffee beans Why pesticides like glyphosate in coffee can worsen leaky gut and insulin resistance How drinking coffee too early disrupts circadian rhythm and causes energy crashes Why afternoon coffee (even decaf) sabotages deep and REM sleep How to choose clean, mold-free, organic coffee for better energy and metabolic health Key Takeaway: Coffee isn't the problem. Dirty coffee habits are.With the right timing, ingredients, and sourcing, coffee can be anti-inflammatory, liver supportive, and fat-burning.

Blood sugar issues are not caused by sugar alone. In this episode, Ben Azadi explains how mineral deficiencies are a hidden driver behind insulin resistance, prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes. You'll learn the five essential minerals your body needs to regulate blood sugar, improve insulin sensitivity, and support long-term metabolic health. This episode breaks down why medication-focused approaches often miss the root cause and how restoring mineral balance can lead to better glucose control, energy, cravings, and fat loss. What You'll Learn in This EpisodeWhy blood sugar problems are more about mineral deficiency than carbohydratesHow insulin signaling depends on proper mineral availabilityThe connection between gut health and blood sugar spikesWhy modern soil depletion contributes to widespread mineral deficienciesHow minerals act as the communication system of metabolism The 5 Minerals That Help Lower Blood Sugar Fulvic AcidSupports mineral absorption at the cellular level. Improves insulin receptor sensitivity, glucose transport into muscles, pancreatic health, and mitochondrial energy production. Humic AcidSupports gut health by reducing inflammation, improving microbiome balance, and slowing carbohydrate absorption to flatten blood sugar spikes. Trace MineralsChromium, zinc, selenium, and manganese help activate insulin signaling pathways, support insulin production, and reduce insulin resistance. MagnesiumOne of the most commonly deficient minerals in people with insulin resistance. Supports insulin sensitivity, lowers cortisol, reduces cravings, and stabilizes blood sugar. PotassiumAn insulin-sparing electrolyte that improves glucose storage in muscles, balances sodium, lowers cortisol, and reduces insulin overproduction.

In this episode, Ben Azadi reveals a simple 10-minute daily ritual that helps activate stem cells, support fat loss, improve energy, and slow biological aging. Instead of extreme workouts or stimulants, Ben explains how the body responds to precise biological signals that restore cellular repair. You'll learn why aging is not about getting older, but about being under-repaired, and how declining stem cell signaling, NAD+ levels, and mitochondrial function drive fatigue, fat gain, and brain fog, especially after age 35. Ben breaks down three easy daily rituals: A morning light and movement stack to activate fat-burning and stem cell repair A midday cellular reset that supports NAD+ levels, focus, and metabolic energy without caffeine crashes An evening fasted wind-down routine that enhances deep sleep, brain detox, and overnight repair He also explains why recovery, sleep, and cellular energy matter more than willpower, and how consistency with simple habits can dramatically improve metabolic health and longevity. Cellular Reset With WonderFuel CLICK HERE - https://benazadi.com/wonderfeel 

In this episode, Ben Azadi reveals the one daily habit he unknowingly practiced for over 20 years that slowly damaged his health without obvious symptoms: chronic low-grade inflammation. Ben explains why inflammation is often missed by conventional medicine, how it silently disrupts metabolism, hormones, gut health, and fat loss, and why “normal” lab results do not equal optimal health. He breaks down the five biggest mistakes that fueled inflammation, including relying on supplements instead of real food, falling for detox and juice cleanses, constant snacking on “healthy” foods, long-term nutrient deficiencies from strict plant-based eating, and cooking with inflammatory seed oils. Ben shares the simple framework that helped him reverse inflammation and restore metabolic health, called the One Plate Reset. This approach focuses on high-quality protein, stable fats, reduced insulin stimulation, clear eating windows, and eliminating snacking. The episode also addresses common questions around carbs, fasting, genetics, aging, vegetable oils, and blood sugar, while emphasizing that healing begins when inflammatory signals are removed. Ben closes by outlining his 14-day belly fat burning plan and reinforcing the core message from his book Metabolic Freedom: the body is designed to heal when interference is removed.

In this episode of the Metabolic Freedom Podcast, Ben Azadi explains why heart disease is not caused by cholesterol, but by silent inflammation and damage to the arterial lining. Ben breaks down how plaque actually forms, why standard cholesterol labs often miss real cardiovascular risk, and how insulin spikes, oxidized LDL, chronic stress, and gut-derived toxins quietly damage blood vessels over time. He introduces a science-backed “artery repair plate” designed to restore endothelial function and calm inflammation using four key foods: Arugula or beets to boost nitric oxide and improve blood flow Wild-caught salmon to reduce inflammation and stabilize plaque Fermented vegetables to lower endotoxins and support gut-artery signaling Extra virgin olive oil to prevent LDL oxidation and improve arterial flexibility The episode also covers which lab markers actually matter, common foods and habits that damage arteries, and a simple three-day arterial reset protocol to support long-term heart health. Ben emphasizes that the body is not broken. When the right signals are present and inflammation is removed, healing becomes natural.

Alzheimer's doesn't begin with memory loss. It begins years earlier with metabolic dysfunction. In this episode, Ben Azadi reveals why Alzheimer's is now being referred to as “Type 3 Diabetes” and how insulin resistance, inflammation, and chronic stress silently damage the brain long before symptoms appear. You'll learn why genetics are not your destiny, how the brain becomes starved for fuel despite high blood sugar, and why waiting for symptoms is already too late. Ben breaks down the science behind hippocampal shrinkage, reduced glucose uptake in the brain, and the role of cortisol in cognitive decline. This episode introduces the 15-Minute Brain Reboot, a simple daily protocol designed to protect and rebuild brain health: Daily fasting to switch the brain's fuel from sugar to ketones Zone 2 movement to increase blood flow and grow new brain cells Gratitude (“Vitamin G”) to lower stress hormones and protect neurons Ben also answers common questions about genetics, brain games, fasting safety, supplements, and why prevention isn't emphasized in conventional medicine. The takeaway is clear: you're not broken, you're early. With consistent daily habits, your brain can heal, adapt, and stay sharp for decades to come.