Inspirational lives, careers, stories and lessons of fascinating people from all walks of life who are brought together by hotels, one way or another.
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Farah Shammas Podcasts

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Stories from our Chief Engineer Stavros Liatsos
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36:06Send us a text In this inspiring episode, Stavros shares his journey of nearly 40 years at the St Raphael Resort & Marina. From his very first day to the biggest engineering challenges, proudest moments, and even some surprising behind-the-scenes stories, Stavros reflects on how hospitality and technology have evolved and what the future holds. 🎧 N…
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Behind the Scenes of Food & Beverage: An Interview with Frederic Bellard
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35:18Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with Frederic Bellard, our F&B Manager, to dive into unforgettable guest requests, the latest food trends, his favourite dishes, and what a typical day in his life looks like from the breakfast rush to evening cocktails. Originally from France, Frederic began his career in hospitality from day one, and th…
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Dasha Trener: Where a Speech Therapist Meets the World of Content Creation
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45:41Send us a text This week, we’re joined by Dasha Trener speech therapist, influencer, and social media educator for families with children. Originally from Ukraine and now based in Cyprus, Dasha shares her inspiring journey of blending professional expertise with authentic digital storytelling. In this episode, Dasha opens up about: • What brought h…
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Kamal Mamedov: From Gym Floor to your Social Feed
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55:34
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55:34Send us a text What does it take to turn a local gym into a digital empire? For Kamal Mamedov, it started with a simple idea: build something real and make it unforgettable online. Born in Azerbaijan and now based in the UK, Kamal is a fitness coach, gym owner, and the founder of Content Club, a creative agency that helps businesses turn content in…
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Raw, Real, and Unfiltered: The World of Samantha Stoecklmayer
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56:32Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with Samantha Stoecklmayer, a Cypriot-Austrian content creator, influencer, YouTuber, and OnlyFans model who’s turned her creativity into a lifestyle. Based in Cyprus but often seen jet-setting across the globe with her influencer boyfriend Vlad Nlc, Samantha has built a strong online presence that’s as r…
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Behind the Strategy: How Jade Dagher Helps Businesses Expand and Thrive
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51:14Send us a text In this Episode , we welcome Jade W. Dagher, Founder and CEO of Expand Strategies, a business development consultant with a wealth of experience in helping companies build strong, sustainable strategies. Jade shares his personal journey from Lebanon to Cyprus, how Nicosia has influenced his career, and the driving forces behind his w…
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How George Zavos Grew Alion into a Market Leader in Cyprus
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50:40Send us a text In this inspiring episode, we sit down with George Zavos, former basketball player turned successful entrepreneur. George shares his journey from the courts to co-founding Alion Fruit & Vegetables one of Cyprus’s most trusted names in fresh produce. As the founder and owner of Alion, he opens up about building a high-quality brand, o…
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Shaping the Future of Mediterranean Influencers with Eddy Nassar
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55:31Send us a text In this episode, we chat with Eddy Nassar, a Beirut-born Cypriot innovator and CEO of WIBA Mediterranean. With 25 years of experience shaping Cyprus’ hospitality and entertainment scene through Columbia Shipmanagement and Columbia Restaurants, Eddy brings a unique perspective to the table. We dive into the story behind MICA (Mediterr…
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Christos Bisiotis: The Greek Chef Who Cooked for Presidents
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55:32Send us a text In this of Hotel Talk with Farah Shammas, we’re joined by the inspiring Chef Christos Bisiotis. From humble beginnings in Athens, starting as a dishwasher at just 12 years old to cooking at the White House and founding Bellita Pasta, Christos shares his incredible journey of resilience, passion, and reinvention. We explore his move t…
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The Power of Transformation with Hélène Alexi Ioannides
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33:03Send us a text In this powerful episode, we speak with Hélène Alexi Ioannides, A Systemic Therapist, Leadership & Authenticity Coach, and founder of Empowered New You. With over 10 years of experience in women’s empowerment and therapy, Hélène shares deep insights on healing personal patterns, embodying authentic leadership, and living from a place…
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Inspired by Nature, Motivated by Love – Meet Nataly Buggins, the Sea Moss Girl!
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39:40Send us a text In this soul-nourishing episode, we chat with Nataly Buggins – a vibrant Cypriot-British woman living her best life in Cyprus and changing the wellness game through her passion for natural healing and sea moss. Nataly’s contagious positivity, commitment to healing, and belief in the power of natural food will leave you inspired to em…
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The Vision Behind the Brand: Laura Neroulias on PR, Partnerships & Purpose
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38:45Send us a text In this episode, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with the incredible Laura Neroulias Bisiotis, founder of LΩRA PR, a full-service PR agency known for its dynamic approach to media relations, influencer marketing, strategic partnerships, and high-impact events. Laura is a goal-driven leader with over two decades of experie…
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Marios Priamos: What Came After Survivor Greece
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53:44Send us a text Episode 156 is out with Marios Priamos, one of Cyprus' most recognized TV personalities and adventurers. From his breakout fame on Survivor Greece to hosting and participating in multiple shows, Marios opens up about what first drew him to the world of television and how those experiences shaped him both personally and professionally…
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Vlad NCL: The Man Who Went Viral as a Woman
1:10:43
1:10:43
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1:10:43Send us a text In this powerful episode of Hotel Talk with Farah, we sit down with the brilliantly complex Vladimir, also known as Vlad NCL, Nataly Oohoo and Nataly Omnarova. With millions of views across Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, Vlad is famous for his daring pranks and social experiments, often dressing as a woman to shed light on how women…
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Send us a text In this inspiring episode, we sit down with internationally acclaimed Lebanese artist Zeina Nader, whose work has been exhibited in over 100 shows across the globe, from Tokyo to New York. Zeina shares her fascinating journey from a career in communication and the arts to becoming a full-time painter and author, with her pieces now h…
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Gala Grigoreva on Marketing, Well-being, and Women in Tech
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31:49Send us a text Gala Grigoreva is a powerhouse of talent and leadership across multiple fields. She is the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) at Adsterra, with over 15 years of experience in global marketing. But her impact goes far beyond that, she’s a marketing mentor, business growth adviser, and co-founder/trainer of the Integrated Professional Growt…
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From Passion to Purpose: Inside The Mighty Kitchen with George Vou
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41:25Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with George Vou, the visionary CEO and founder of The Mighty Kitchen, a plant-based company that's redefining the future of food. George shares his personal journey to becoming vegan, what inspired him to build a company centered around sustainability and taste, and how he’s on a mission to change the wor…
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Authenticity Is Her Superpower – A Conversation with Pan Dragomir
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53:51Send us a text In this special episode, we sit down with Pan Dragomir, one of Cyprus' most loved content creators. Known for her unapologetically real and ironic humor, Pan has captured the hearts of thousands through her funny and relatable videos. With over 125K followers on Instagram and 142K on TikTok, she’s not just an influencer – she’s a voi…
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Limassol2030: A cultural vision for the future with Eleana Alexandrou
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36:56Send us a text In this special episode, we sit down with Elena Alexandrou, Artistic Director of Lemesos 2030, to explore Limassol’s inspiring journey toward becoming the European Capital of Culture. We dive into the vision behind the initiative, the cultural and social impact for the city, and how the community, both locals and visitors, can get in…
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Christiana Aravi: The Spa Manager Breaking Barriers in Wellness & Communication
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22:40Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with our amazing Spa Manager at St Raphael Resort & Marina, Christiana Aravi ! We’ll explore her inspiring journey, from her previous roles to how she became an essential part of our hotel team. Christiana shares the everyday challenges she faces, her deep passion for wellness, and her unexpected journey …
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The Power of Movement: Dance, Creativity & Well-Being with Lia Haraki
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42:06Send us a text Lia Haraki is a Cyprus-born interdisciplinary performance artist whose work blends dance, theatre, spoken word, and music. With over two decades of experience, she has created more than fifty works presented across Europe, including at the Venice Biennale, Athens Festival, and Royal Festival Hall in London. Her artistic practice expl…
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Revolutionizing Sweets: How Marina Christoforou is Changing the Game
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25:23
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25:23Send us a text In this episode of Hotel Talk with Farah Shammas, we sit down with Marina Christoforou, the founder of En Healthy, a delicious and nutritious dessert lab in Pareklissia, Limassol. Marina’s journey into the world of healthy treats began when her mother faced a health challenge, inspiring her entire family to embrace a better lifestyle…
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Fuckup Nights & Life Lessons: Maria Sibirtseva Tells Her Story
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56:26
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56:26Send us a text In this episode of Hotel Talk, we dive into an eye-opening conversation about failure, resilience, and personal growth. Our guest shares her journey from Ukraine to Cyprus, her experiences in marketing, and why Fuckup Nights is an event that celebrates the mistakes we all make. We discuss how failures shape us more than successes, th…
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Alex Eng’s Hospitality Journey: Bringing Luxury to Lefkara
38:02
38:02
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38:02Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with Aleksander Eng, the Managing Director and Owner of Agora Hotel, a luxurious boutique hotel in Cyprus with a truly unique style. Alex grew up in the UK and has traveled the world with his family, gaining inspiration from different cultures before settling in Cyprus. He also spent several years in New …
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Women’s Day Special: Jessica’s Inspiring Journey
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13:58Send us a text In this special Women’s Day episode, we sit down with Jessica, one of our beloved housekeeping team members at St Raphael Resort. Jessica shares her incredible journey from Ethiopia to Cyprus, opening up about the challenges she faced, how she built a new life, and why Cyprus now feels like home. We also dive into the demanding yet e…
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From the Throne to our podcast: Limassol’s Carnival King Tells All
43:57
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43:57Send us a text Brace yourselves because Limassol’s Carnival King 2025, Vasilis Papavasiliou, is joining our podcast! 👑🎉 We’ll dive into his incredible journey, how he earned the crown, the excitement of carnival week, the intense preparations, and the whirlwind of events leading up to the grand parade. Plus, we’ll explore his life beyond the carniv…
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From Young Dreamers to Media Founders: Nour & Fadi Samaha
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40:35Send us a text Meet two young brothers who started their journey from Lebanon to Cyprus and built IY Media. We’ll dive into their life, vision, and goals, discuss marketing trends for 2025, explore how they became Meta Partners, and discover how they balance entrepreneurship at a young age while running a company! 🎧 Don’t miss this inspiring story!…
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Healing Trauma & Addiction: A Conversation with Heather R. Hayes
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57:29Send us a text In this powerful episode, we sit down with Heather R. Hayes, a renowned interventionist, counselor, and expert in trauma, addiction, and mental health. With over 30 years of experience, Heather has dedicated her life to helping adolescents, young adults, and families navigate the complexities of psychiatric disorders, substance abuse…
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Success, Compliance & Wellbeing: A Leadership Masterclass with Cleo Papadopoulou
41:23
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41:23Send us a text In this episode, we’ll be joined by Cleo Papadopoulou – Partner at PwC Cyprus, Head of Connected Compliance Managed Services CoE, Chief Learning Officer, Chief Inclusion & Diversity Officer, and leader in the shipping sector. We’ll dive into key topics like: ✅ The importance of compliance ✅ Inclusion in the workplace ✅ Why wellbeing …
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Dr. Marianna Prokopi-Demetriades: Inspiring the Next Generation of Scientific Leader
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47:29Send us a text What an amazing interview that was with Dr. Marianna Prokopi-Demetriades, a trailblazing biotech innovator and entrepreneur whose journey from Greece to Cyprus has revolutionized personalized cancer care! From her academic roots at King’s College London to founding three groundbreaking biotech companies, Marianna’s story is one of pa…
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Dr. Gemma on Endocrinology and Modern Health
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49:15Send us a text Dr. Gemma Fraterrigo is a dedicated Endocrinologist specializing in diabetes management, hormone health, and achieving balanced wellness. Based in Limassol, she combines her expertise with a passion for helping individuals manage weight and improve their overall health. In this podcast, Dr. Fraterrigo shares her inspiring journey fro…
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Leading with Vision: Natasa Pilides, Former Minister of Energy, on Public Service and Innovation
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47:26Send us a text In this episode, we welcome Natasa Pilides, former Minister of Energy, Commerce, and Industry of Cyprus, to share her inspiring journey. As the first Deputy Minister of Shipping, she broke barriers, led impactful initiatives in energy and commerce, and championed innovation. We discuss her challenges in public service, her achievemen…
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A Journey of Growth and Connection with Viola Edward
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42:13Send us a text In this episode, we talk with Viola Edward, a psychotherapist, social entrepreneur, and expert in mental health and breathwork. Viola shares her story of moving to a new country as a teenager, starting work at 13, and building a life full of purpose. She gives simple and powerful advice about the importance of relationships in our pe…
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Send us a text This Festive Season, we’re thrilled to hand the mic to Parisa for a heartfelt interview brimming with festive joy and her unique holiday perspective! 🌟 From all of us at the Hotel Talk Podcast and the St. Raphael Hotel, we wish you a Christmas filled with love, laughter, and the company of those who matter most and a Happy New Year. …
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Life Lessons and the Magic of Christmas: A Conversation with Dr Ilona Markosyan
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56:45Send us a text This Christmas week, we sit down with Mrs. Ilona Markosyan, who shares her inspiring journey from Armenia to Greece and finally to Cyprus. Ilona opens up about the universal truths that unite us, love, acceptance, and support, reminding us that, no matter our background, we are all searching for the same things in life. As a licensed…
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Transforming Life into Art: A Conversation with Lina Husseini
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20:59Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with Lina Maalouf Husseini, a French-Lebanese, self-taught artist. Lina's art bridges cultures, influenced by her life between Lebanon and France. Known for her contemporary approach, she transforms ordinary materials, particularly PVC, into stunning works of art, thanks to a unique collaboration with her…
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Behind the Pages: The Journey of Anna-Maria Athanasiou
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40:34Send us a text Anna-Maria Athanasiou, a Greek Cypriot author from Leeds, began her writing journey in secret, jotting down her first stories on napkins. Her debut novel, Waiting for Summer, grew from these humble beginnings into a 900-page best-seller, eventually becoming the first book in a two-part series. Encouraged by her family, especially her…
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Journey to a Plant-Based Life: An Interview with Holly Johnson
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33:54Send us a text In this episode of our podcast, we're thrilled to introduce Holly Johnson. Holly is the inspiring editor of Vegan Food & Living magazine and the host of the Simply Vegan podcast. During our conversation, Holly will share her personal journey of going vegan seven years ago, what motivated her to make the switch, and how it has shaped …
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True Hospitality and the Cypriot Spirit with Rebecca Pierides
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33:25Send us a text In this episode, we speak with Rebecca Pierides, a Cypriot leader in the hospitality industry and Managing Director at Churchill Hotel Management, which operates the Crowne Plaza Limassol. With years of experience Rebecca shares her passion for delivering true hospitality and the incredible stories behind it. Rebecca takes us through…
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Taras Lozhenko’s Flavorful Journey with Octopus Microbrewery
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33:20Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with Taras Lozhenko, a Ukrainian entrepreneur and one of the passionate founders of Octopus Microbrewery, a rising local favorite in Cyprus. Located in Sotira, near Ayia Napa, Octo Microbrewery is known for its unfiltered and unpasteurized beers that capture the essence of clean, aromatic flavors. Taras s…
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Building Community with Christine Keeble Watson & CIWOT
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31:37Send us a text In this episode, we’re so happy to introduce Christine Keeble Watson, a founding member and Past President of Cyprus International Women of Today (CIWOT). Christine has been with CIWOT since it was established in 2009, and with her extensive experience living across various countries, she understands first hand the profound need for …
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From Armenia to Success: Lusine Mirzoyan, Director at Vestnik Kipra!
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26:43Send us a text In this podcast, we’ll meet Lusine and hear her inspiring journey from Armenia to Cyprus, filled with challenges she faced along the way. With her positive outlook and sharp mind, Lusine has achieved remarkable success in Cyprus. She is the Director at Vestnik Kipra Group, a company dedicated to serving the Russian-speaking and expat…
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Unlocking Longevity with George Xydas and Swiss Medical Center
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58:15Send us a text In this episode, we are joined by George Xydas, co-founder of the Swiss Biological Medical Center in Cyprus. George shares the story behind the center, which focuses on holistic health and wellness by integrating advanced medical practices with natural healing. The center aims to help people achieve longevity and optimal health throu…
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Baria Alamuddin on Politics, Human Rights, and Raising Powerful Women
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16:05Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with Baria Alamuddin, a renowned British-Lebanese journalist and writer, whose passion for her work shines through her decades-long career. An award-winning journalist and editor of Media Services Syndicate, Baria has interviewed numerous world leaders and played a significant role in shaping political di…
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Balancing Cultures, Careers, and Motherhood with Carine Khoury
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32:37Send us a text In this episode of Hotel Talk, we are thrilled to welcome Carine Khoury Niemann, the visionary director of Floral Image, a sustainable flower service based in Cyprus. Join us as we explore her unique experiences growing up in a multicultural environment, balancing different languages and traditions, her academic journey, and the chal…
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Send us a text Eleni Savva is a storyteller at heart, with a background in filmmaking and coaching. Having lived most of her life in London, she’s traveled the world capturing human stories and connecting with diverse cultures. Her experiences naturally led her to coaching, where she empowers individuals to unlock their potential and believe in lim…
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Traveling the World with Richi Shah I Episode 122
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25:42Send us a text Richi Shah is an Indian social media influencer, and content creator. Originally from Mumbai, Richi began her career as an accountant but soon discovered her passion for social media. Through her creative content, she started collaborating with brands and embraced her love for travel. Now, she travels the world with her partner, shar…
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Clementine Ynna: Finding Strength in Every Challenge I Episode 121
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42:51Send us a text Clementine Ynna, born in France and now living in Paphos, Cyprus, is a Muscular Dystrophy expert, a talented author, and a loving mother who has turned her personal challenges into a mission of hope. Her life changed when her young son was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy. This pushed her to learn more about the condition and its ca…
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Hotel Talk with Farah Shammas: Kiera Chaplin - Leading with Vision, Passion, and Purpose I Episode 120
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29:05Send us a text Kiera Chaplin, a businesswoman and philanthropist, is carving out her own path while honouring the legacy of her iconic family name. In this series, we will explore her journey from a successful modelling and acting career to her current ventures in business and her philanthropic efforts. As a passionate member of the Desert Flower o…
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Hotel Talk with Farah Shammas: Episode 119 with Agni Scott - Female actor in the Netflix No 1 movie ‘Find Me Falling’
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48:46Send us a text Agni Scott is the main female actor in the Netflix No 1 movie ‘Find Me Falling’ who played alongside Harry Connick Jr in this romantic and humorous film. She is even more beautiful in real life and shares with us some of her history, how she got into acting, where her name comes from, what she’s loved about her job, balancing her car…
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