THE LIGHTHOUSE CONVERSATIONS

On Conversations with people who live between cultures and make things — founders, designers, chefs, artists, the occasional novelist. Mostly from the Middle East. Recorded at The Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar, hosted by Hashem Montasser. No sponsors.

Six years in. Roughly one hundred episodes deep. Pick one and start.

Featured episodes

56 min | June 4, 2026

EPISODE #98: Hani AlMalki on Dubai’s F&B reset, credibility over clout, and a restaurant career built without a restaurant. 
53 min | April 1, 2026

Episode #97: Karim Awad on leading EFG Hermes mid-revolution, a decade of building, and why legacy is measured by what remains after you leave.
67 min | April 16, 2025

Episode #91: Abdullah Alajaji on Spotting Market Gaps and Playing the Long Game in Real Estate
47 min | March 7, 2025

Episode #90: Chef Salam Dakkak on Honoring Her Mother's Lega...
53 Min | April 29, 2024

Episode #82: Elie Khouri on career pivots, art...
41 Min | October 19, 2023

Episode #76: Hassan Sheheryar Yassin on starting from zero, overcoming failure, and a chance meeting with William and Kate.
54 Min | May 25, 2023

Episode #71: Natasha Sideris on ambition, balance as a restaurateur, and why Greece is off the table.
47 Min | November 17, 2022

Episode #61: Bokja founders Hoda Baroudi and Maria Hibri on storytelling and staying ahead of trends.
All episodes

The Lighthouse Conversations

Episode #86: Faiza Bouguessa on staying true to her vision, building a fashion legacy, and shaping the Middle East's future.

Episode #86: Faiza Bouguessa on staying true to...

51 min |
Episode #85: Avni Doshi on culture, motherhood, identity, and the UAE's emerging literary scene.

Episode #85: Avni Doshi on culture, motherhood,...

59 min |
Episode #84: Fadi Kattan on food, Palestinian heritage, and the magic of oral history.

Episode #84: Fadi Kattan on food, Palestinian h...

52 min |
Episode #83: Caroline Louca on art pragmatism, their collection, and supporting Arab artists through The Lighthouse.

Episode #83: Caroline Louca on art pragmatism, ...

57 min |
Episode #82: Elie Khouri on career pivots, art collecting, and his role on 'Shark Tank.'

Episode #82: Elie Khouri on career pivots, art ...

53 min |
Episode #81: Hamad Al Awar on founding 'High Joint,' balancing roles as a police officer, animator, and father, and choosing his own path.

Episode #81: Hamad Al Awar on founding 'High Jo...

57 min |
               
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