In this episode, we sit down with Iranian architect and designer Neda Salmanpour to explore the kind of depth you rarely find in global communities. Neda takes us inside the world of Islamic architecture — where geometry and mathematics shape patterns we often mistake for pure ornament.

She explains why the beauty of Islamic design isn’t improvisation, but precision. We also talk about what “home” really means (and why it has nothing to do with walls), how Iranian culture trains people to think with incredible depth, and why conversations with Iranians feel fundamentally different from the surface-level speed of international life.

This show is created by storm, a content studio, and movingo, an all-in-one platform for business setup & entrepreneurs relocation.

Hosts and producers: Anastasia Davydova, Konstantin Koloskov

In this episode of Culture Mapping, we sit down with Robin Höfer, a German chef (Executive Chef at Kraken, Gault&Millau Future Great nominee, ex-Ossiano) who worked his way up from traditional kitchens in Europe to building his own culinary projects in Dubai.

Robin talks about the growing crisis in Germany’s restaurant industry — where few young people want to become chefs because the job demands long hours, discipline, and years of learning by doing. Many restaurants now open only a few days a week due to staff shortages.

In contrast, he describes how in Dubai there’s a line of interns eager to learn, work, and grow. We talk about what hard work really means in different cultures, how Robin started his supper club in Dubai, and why passion remains the true ingredient behind every great kitchen.

This show is created by storm, a content studio, and movingo, an all-in-one platform for business setup & entrepreneurs relocation.

Hosts and producers: Anastasia Davydova, Konstantin Koloskov

In this episode of Culture Mapping, we sit down with Jaime Brown — a mural artist from the US whose life took an unexpected turn after she read the Quran one day and decided to convert to Islam. Before moving to Morocco, Jaime worked in Hollywood — but everything changed when she felt a deep spiritual connection that led her to a completely new path. today, she lives and creates in Dubai, where her murals reflect her journey through faith, culture, and identity.

We talk about what people often misunderstand about Islam, how art can become a form of devotion, and what it means to start over — not just geographically, but spiritually.

This show is created by Storm (https://www.stormproduction.ae), a podcast production studio, and movingo (https://www.movingo.io), an all-in-one platform for business setup & entrepreneurs relocation.

Hosts and producers: Anastasia Davydova, Konstantin Koloskov

Discover the vibrant world of Arab art with Gaith Abdulla, co-founder of Bayt Al Mamzar, an independent gallery and art residency in Dubai. In this captivating episode, Gaith shares his journey from art enthusiast to gallery owner, offering invaluable insights on how anyone can start collecting art. Learn about the rich tapestry of Arab artistic expression and the exciting developments in the regional art scene.

Gaith and his brother's innovative approach to supporting emerging artists through their residency program is reshaping the landscape of contemporary Arab art. Whether you're an seasoned collector or a curious newcomer, this episode will inspire you to explore the diverse and dynamic world of Arab creativity.

Tune in for an enlightening conversation that bridges tradition and modernity in the ever-evolving realm of Arab art.

Cheers to the sponsor of this season - Flowwow, a marketplace where you can find flowers and presents for all the occasions. Use promocode CULTURE to get 15% discount on any purchase, it is available till 31 December 2024. Download the app: https://flowwow.com/s/CULTURE

This show is created by storm, a podcast production studio, and movingo, an all-in-one platform for business setup & entrepreneurs relocation.

Hosts and producers: Anastasia Davydova, Konstantin Koloskov

Sound Engineer: Elina Bolshenkova

Artwork: https://www.instagram.com/yad.vzglad/

Jingle: Ziv Moran “Easy Peasy”

In the final episode of Season 1 of Culture Mapping, we sit down with Ghita Bahmad, founder of the innovative foodtech company, The Food Engine. Born in Morocco and raised in Canada, Ghita is a food engineer with vast experience in the industry, and she shares her inspiring journey from being an employee to becoming a successful entrepreneur.

In this episode, we dive into the challenges and triumphs of women in entrepreneurship, with Ghita offering her unique advice on finding the right business partners (hint: treat it like dating to truly understand each other). We also explore the future of food and the innovations needed to drive the industry forward.

Tune in for an engaging conversation that blends culture, food, and entrepreneurial wisdom as we wrap up an amazing season of Culture Mapping!

Cheers to the sponsor of this season - Flowwow, a marketplace where you can find flowers and presents for all the occasions. Use promocode CULTURE to get 15% discount on any purchase, it is available till 31 December 2024. Download the app: https://flowwow.com/s/CULTURE

This show is created by storm, a podcast production studio, and movingo, an all-in-one platform for business setup & entrepreneurs relocation.

Hosts and producers: Anastasia Davydova, Konstantin Koloskov

Sound Engineer: Elina Bolshenkova

Artwork: https://www.instagram.com/yad.vzglad/

Jingle: Ziv Moran “Easy Peasy”

In the ninth episode of "Culture Mapping," we have an insightful conversation with George Katodrytis, a distinguished architect and professor with deep roots in both Cyprus and the UAE. George has spent many years in the UAE and is a passionate advocate for the country’s unique approach to urbanism and its rapid development.

We explore George’s multicultural journey, including his marriage to a South Korean partner, and how their diverse backgrounds influence their life together. George also shares his thoughts on the relaxed, easygoing lifestyle of Cypriots and how it contrasts with the fast-paced growth of the UAE.

Join us as we dive into the intersections of architecture, culture, and personal experience, gaining a deeper understanding of how different worlds come together in the ever-evolving landscape of Dubai.

Cheers to the sponsor of this season - Flowwow, a marketplace where you can find flowers and presents for all the occasions. Use promocode CULTURE to get 15% discount on any purchase, it is available till 31 December 2024. Download the app: https://flowwow.com/s/CULTURE

This show is created by storm, a podcast production studio, and movingo, an all-in-one platform for business setup & entrepreneurs relocation.

Hosts and producers: Anastasia Davydova, Konstantin Koloskov

Sound Engineer: Elina Bolshenkova

Artwork: https://www.instagram.com/yad.vzglad/

Jingle: Ziv Moran “Easy Peasy”

In the eighth episode of "Culture Mapping," we dive into the fascinating journey of Imad Gharazeddine, CEO and co-founder of Mamo. From growing up in Saudi Arabia to studying in Canada and landing a dream job at Google, Imad's story is one of determination and discovery.

Join us as we explore his leap into the startup world, the hurdles he faces as a CEO, and his insights on building a vibrant corporate culture. With candid reflections on his student years and invaluable lessons from his career, Imad offers a captivating glimpse into the life of a modern entrepreneur. Tune in to uncover the secrets behind thriving in diverse environments and leading with vision. This is an episode you don’t want to miss!

Cheers to the sponsor of this season - Flowwow, a marketplace where you can find flowers and presents for all the occasions. Use promocode CULTURE to get 15% discount on any purchase, it is available till 31 December 2024. Download the app: https://flowwow.com/s/CULTURE

This show is created by storm, a podcast production studio, and movingo, an all-in-one platform for business setup & entrepreneurs relocation.

Hosts and producers: Anastasia Davydova, Konstantin Koloskov

Sound Engineer: Elina Bolshenkova

Artwork: https://www.instagram.com/yad.vzglad/

Jingle: Ziv Moran “Easy Peasy”

In the seventh episode of "Culture Mapping," we chat with Leena Vesterinen, a Finnish entrepreneur revolutionizing real estate investing with her company Asette. Leena shares her journey from Finland, where independence and entrepreneurship are fostered from a young age, to England, where she built various startups, and finally to the UAE with Careem.

Discover how Leena's background in user experience shaped her career and led her to leave the corporate world to pursue her entrepreneurial dreams. Join us for an inspiring discussion on building confidence in your strengths, embracing change, and building something of your own. We also covered a bit on mentoring and balancing your life when you are a female founder.

Cheers to the sponsor of this season - Flowwow, a marketplace where you can find flowers and presents for all the occasions. Use promocode CULTURE to get 15% discount on any purchase, it is available till 31 December 2024. Download the app: https://flowwow.com/s/CULTURE

This show is created by storm, a podcast production studio, and movingo, an all-in-one platform for business setup & entrepreneurs relocation.

Hosts and producers: Anastasia Davydova, Konstantin Koloskov

Sound Engineer: Elina Bolshenkova

Artwork: https://www.instagram.com/yad.vzglad/

Jingle: Ziv Moran “Easy Peasy”