Provocateurs

In this unfiltered episode of Provocateurs, we sit down with Faris, a veteran presenter with over a decade of experience in the media and entertainment industry. From his early days at university where a single viral video caught the attention of LadBible, to becoming the "party presenter" of Ibiza and Zante, Faris has seen the highest highs and lowest lows of the viral content game . We dive deep...

In this episode, we sit down with Keara, the visionary force behind the luxury fashion brand ByKeara . Starting with absolutely no manufacturing experience, Keara identifies a massive gap in the "mid-luxury" market—the space between high-street giants like Zara and 3,000-pound designer blazers . Keara shares the "brutal truth" of her first 18 months in business, including a devastating £10,000 man...

In this powerful episode of Provocateurs, Sarah sits down with Chris Jammer, the visionary founder of the Strawberries & Creem festival. Chris shares his incredible journey from being a "total misfit" at Cambridge University to building one of the UK’s most culturally significant music festivals and successfully exiting to Sony Music during the height of a global lockdown . We dive deep into the i...

In this high-energy episode of Provocateurs, we sit down with Jonny Bongo (Founder) and Jess (Managing Director), the powerhouses behind the global nightlife phenomenon Bongo’s Bingo. What started 11 years ago as a humble pub quiz in Liverpool has exploded into a massive operation spanning over 50 locations in the UK and reaching as far as Dubai and Australia. Jonny and Jess take us behind the sce...

In this episode of Provocateurs, we are joined by Luke, co-founder of Jam Events UK. Luke takes us on a deep dive into his 15-year journey through the London nightlife industry, starting from his early days as a West End promoter to building a successful events brand and a multi-thousand-capacity festival . We peel back the curtain on the "hustle" era of London clubs, where promoters walked home w...

In this episode, we go behind the velvet rope with Amy, the visionary entrepreneur behind Rude, the UK’s largest strip club. Far from the stereotypes often associated with the industry, Amy reveals how a background in accounting and an obsession with "numbers and money" allowed her to build an adult entertainment empire. Amy discusses the psychological grit required to lead a female-dominated work...

In this episode, we sit down with Ben Caesar, a creator who has spent his life navigating the intersection of hip-hop culture and corporate music direction . From battle raps and nightclubs in South Africa to directing music for Warner Brothers World in the UAE, Ben shares his evolution from being "in the music industry" to being in the "IP business". We explore the psychological toll of the artis...

In this episode of Provocateurs, we sit down with Nikki Gordon, a man who has lived through the wildest eras of UK nightlife. From throwing his first parties in Romford to running the legendary Ministry of Sound and launching major festivals, Nikki has seen it all—and lived to tell the tale. Nikki opens up about the hedonistic "Wild West" days of the industry, including an infamous car crash in Ib...

In this episode of Provocateurs, we are joined by Byron and Bianca, a dynamic duo who have spent two decades building a life and multiple businesses together. Recently relocated to Dubai, they share the "dysfunctional" experiences within the UK's infrastructure—specifically a healthcare crisis—that served as the final straw for their move. The conversation moves from the logistics of shipping a li...

In this episode of Provocateurs, we sit down with Don, a "Technology Titan" whose career spans leadership roles at global giants like Microsoft, Cisco, and Huawei . After decades of navigating complex corporate environments across multiple regions, Don now travels the world as a globally recognized speaker and advisor . We explore the "5 Ps of Negotiation," the psychological nuances of high-level...

In this episode, we sit down with Sean, a former professional footballer from Liverpool who dedicated 13 years to elite level football before a career ending injury led to his retirement at age 28. Now based in Dubai, Sean has successfully channeled the competitive drive of professional sports into a thriving entrepreneurial career . We explore his journey of building K08, a global fitness communi...

In this episode, Sarah talks to Sonny Hall as shares his journey as the founder of The Unlocked Group, which opened a highly talked-about 25,000 square foot event space in Shoreditch, London. He discusses his unconventional path into the music and events industry, including his background as a DJ signed by Defected Records. Hall reflects on the challenges of launching a venue in a post-COVID lands...

In this episode of Provocateurs, Sarah talks to Katerina Robinson about going from aspiring actress to a prominent comedian focusing on sex, relationships, and dating. Reflecting on her experiences during the pandemic, Katerina shares how she found her niche through social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, creating relatable and humorous content around sexual wellness. The discussion delv...

On todays episode of Provocateurs, Sarah interviews Genevieve Lejeune, the founder of Skirt Club, a renowned female-only sex club that caters to the intellectually and sexually curious woman. Genevieve shares her journey from a corporate finance career to creating a safe and empowering space for women to explore their bisexuality and sensuality. With 26,000 members across 36 cities, Skirt Club fos...

In this episode of the Provocateurs podcast, Sarah chats with Paul Svenson, a seasoned DJ and co-founder of the innovative club Gate 2 in Dubai, shares his journey through the music industry. With over 20 years of experience, Paul discusses his early days in France's hip-hop scene, his transition to Dubai, and the unique no-phone policy at Gate 2 that fosters genuine connections among partygoers....

Sarah sits with Rob Star as they talk about his extensive journey in the music and nightlife industry, spanning nearly three decades. He reflects on his early days organising illegal warehouse parties in East London, the evolution of club culture, and the challenges faced by the current festival and pub scene. Rob discusses the economic pressures impacting the nightlife industry, the shift in cons...

In this episode of Provocateurs, Sarah engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Karlo, an entrepreneur with a diverse background that spans from beekeeping to fashion and consultancy. Karlo shares his unique journey, including his upbringing in Germany as the child of missionaries and his experiences in various industries. The discussion delves into the resurgence of faith among young adul...

In this episode, Sarah interviews Cindy Gallop, the founder of Make Love Not Porn, who shares her unique journey from growing up in the UK and Borneo to becoming a prominent advocate for open discussions about sex and relationships. Cindy discusses her bold approach to business consulting, her viral TED Talk, and the mission behind her platform, which aims to destigmatize sex and promote healthy s...

In this episode Sarah hosts Assaad delve into his remarkable journey from Lebanon to Dubai, where he has spent 13 years thriving in the hospitality industry. Assaad shares his early experiences in Lebanon, where he began promoting events at a young age, and discusses the vibrant nightlife and community spirit that shaped his entrepreneurial mindset. He reflects on the rapid development of Dubai's...

In this episode, Dan Banks shares his journey from the nightlife industry in London to becoming a successful financial and mindset coach based in Dubai. He discusses the importance of mindset in achieving personal and financial freedom, emphasizing that overcoming mental barriers is crucial for success in both business and life. Dan reflects on his experiences in network marketing, the lessons lea...

In this episode, Sarah welcomes Josh Hodge, a dynamic figure in the events and festivals industry. They discuss the challenges and excitement of starting anew, particularly in the context of the upcoming season. Josh shares insights about his transition to a new location and the importance of adapting to changes in the business landscape, especially after the disruptions caused by club closures. W...

In this episode, Sarah sits with Tony Truman as shares his transformative life experiences, particularly focusing on a tragic house fire that reshaped his perspective on family, relationships, and business. He reflects on his past as a party-loving entrepreneur and how the loss of a friend during the fire served as a wake-up call, prompting him to adopt a more sensible and cautious approach to lif...

In this episode, Sarah engages in a candid conversation with the founder of Killing Kittens, Emma Sayle a platform that has revolutionized women's empowerment and sexual expression over the past 20 years. They discuss the evolution of the brand from its inception in 2005, the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the importance of creating a safe space for women to explore their sexua...

In this episode, Sarah welcomes Tom Starr, a seasoned DJ and music producer who has been living in Ibiza for over a decade. Tom shares insights into his journey in the music industry, discussing his transition from touring artist to a collaborative producer who helps emerging talent create music. He elaborates on his recent project, the Starplayer Villa, which serves as a creative retreat for arti...

In this episode, we sit down with JJ Goodman, award-winning bartender, entrepreneur, and founder behind some of the UK’s most iconic cocktail bars. From humble beginnings mixing drinks to building a £65 million empire with over 40 venues worldwide, JJ shares the raw truth about the bar industry, risk-taking, and building a business against all odds. JJ opens up about his journey from bartender to...