The Judge Reviews

What started during lockdown has grown into one of Scotland's biggest online sweet brands. In this episode of The Judge Reviews Podcast , we sit down with Romana Khaliq and Neelam Aneesa Ahmed , the founders behind SweetPals , to hear how they built a business from home, embraced TikTok Live before most businesses even knew what it was, and turned viral trends into a thriving brand. We talk ab...

What does it really take to build one of Scotland's most recognised dessert brands? In this episode of The Judge Reviews Podcast , I sit down with Usman , founder of Sugar & Treats , to discuss the journey behind the business—from opening the first store to building an award-winning brand, staying ahead of food trends and constantly evolving. We also discuss: 🍓 Being the first to bring Du...

From starting work at just 14 to helping build one of Scotland’s most recognised takeaways — this is the story behind Asian Tandoori, Cambuslang. Jameel, Adam and Cobra join me to talk about the hard work behind the business, winning major awards, the viral Chasni Donner Tray, keeping standards high, and why a clean kitchen is non-negotiable. We also get into the real side of running a takeaway: r...

Welcome back to The Judge Reviews Podcast. This week, Jay sits down with award-winning pharmacist, entrepreneur, healthcare leader and business owner Sehar Shahid . From becoming one of Scotland's youngest pharmacy board members to appearing on BBC Breakfast, building multiple businesses and helping shape the future of healthcare, Sehar shares the challenges, sacrifices and lessons behind her...

Peter Crolla joins The Judge Reviews Podcast to share the incredible story behind one of Scotland's most recognisable family businesses. From humble beginnings after arriving from Italy in 1895, the Crolla family has built a business that has survived two World Wars, economic downturns, changing consumer trends and four generations of leadership. In this episode we discuss: • The origins of th...

From breakthrough actor to mentor, presenter and community leader, Atta Yaqub has spent over 20 years making an impact both on and off the screen. In this episode of The Judge Reviews Podcast, we discuss acting, representation, community work, ANSAR, football development, public speaking and the journey that made him who he is today. Most people know Atta from his breakthrough role in Ae Fond Kiss...

In this episode of The Judge Reviews Podcast, I sit down with Vikkstar123 from the Sidemen to discuss the reality of building and scaling SIDES into one of the UK's fastest-growing food brands. We talk about: • The challenges of running a food business • What happens behind the scenes at SIDES • Going from YouTube creator to entrepreneur • Lessons learned from building a major brand • The futu...

From Govanhill life to building one of Glasgow’s busiest food brands… this episode was chaos from start to finish 😭 Harris and Aadil from Grillzz join me for a proper real conversation about:🍔 Building Grillzz into a 3-branch brand💸 The reality of takeaway business📱 Social media hype & food trends😂 Funny customer stories🏴 Govanhill life growing up🔥 Pressure, success and family business No f...

From running one of Glasgow’s most respected chip shops to preparing for boxing… this is the story of Fanta. 🥊🍟 Known across the food scene for his recipes, kitchen leadership and running CATCH Netherlee, Fanta sits down with The Judge Reviews Podcast to talk food, pressure, discipline, weight loss, business and his next big challenge. One of the most honest episodes we’ve done. 🔥 TOP CHEF 🔥 F...

This episode is different. Azeem doesn’t complain — he builds. Lewis doesn’t talk — he lives it. Two different journeys. One message: your mindset decides everything. From building Equal Clothing to pushing people to stop making excuses, this conversation is raw, honest, and needed. No fake motivation. No clichés. Just real talk from people who actually live it. If you’ve been feeling stuck, lazy,...

Two completely different industries… same problem. In this episode, we sit down with Sher Eats — one of Glasgow’s original food reviewers — and Sophia Hassan , founder of a women-only gym that’s changing the game. From real reviews vs paid hype… To fake fitness influencers vs real results… To what actually goes on behind the scenes… Nothing’s filtered. We talk honesty, pressure, social media, and...

This episode gets REAL. We’ve got TB Promotions in the building — one of the most talked-about white collar boxing promoters in the UK. Big views, big events… and a LOT of opinions. Alongside him, Zuby Zarreta — a man who’s lived a completely different life. From football and growing up the hard way, to finding discipline, faith, and giving back to the community. We talk: The TRUTH about white col...

From being homeless to building a global food brand — this is the real story behind Doner Shack. In this episode of The Judge Reviews Podcast , Sanj breaks down how he went from rock bottom to scaling a franchise business across multiple countries. We get into: The reality of starting with nothing How to actually build a food brand that scales The truth about franchising Why most food businesses f...

What happens when you reject the easiest way to travel in the modern world? In this episode, we sit down with James Patterson — better known as The Non Flying Scotsman — a Glasgow-based creator who’s built a unique lifestyle around slow travel, food, and exploring the world without flying . From long train journeys across Europe to discovering hidden food gems, James shares the mindset behind choo...

DJ Naeem joins The Judge Reviews Podcast for a deep dive into real hip hop culture, DJing, and over 30 years in the game. From the mixtape era to today’s digital scene, Naeem breaks down what real DJing means, how hip hop has evolved, and why old school music still hits different. As one of the minds behind Groove Theory — one of the UK’s biggest old school R&B and hip hop nights — this is a p...

In this episode of The Judge Reviews Podcast, we sit down with Fajar Rana , founder of Heiress Hair & Beauty — one of Glasgow’s go-to salons for colour correction, blonde transformations, and high-end hair services. We talk about: How she built her business from the ground up What really goes into fixing hair disasters The truth about bad box dye jobs Running a salon and managing staff The rea...

Zain’s Curry House isn’t just another takeaway… it’s a multi award-winning spot that’s turned Dalry into a food destination. In this episode, we sit down with Khurum — the man behind the brand — and Kaz, who’s gone from working in the shop to building his own fitness journey while surrounded by some of the most addictive food in Scotland. We talk about: Building a family business at a young age Wi...

Today on The Judge Reviews Podcast, we sit down with Hashim — the man behind Shawlands Continental, one of Glasgow’s most loved international food stores. What started as a family business has grown into a go-to spot for world ingredients, halal meats, and food lovers across the city. But this episode starts in an unexpected place… From the old Glasgow nightclub scene at Blanket, to taking over hi...

On this episode of The Judge Reviews Podcast , Raz Parnez from RT Elite Promotions is back in the hot seat. Last time we spoke about the upcoming fight night — but now the event has happened and we’re breaking it all down. We talk about: 🥊 How the fight night actually went 🔥 The atmosphere on the night 🎟 Behind the scenes of running a boxing promotion 📈 Lessons learned from the event 🚨 What’s...

Fire & Smoke BBQ is bringing authentic Texas-style low and slow barbecue to Scotland — and it’s nothing like the BBQ most people are used to. On this episode of The Judge Reviews Podcast , Jay sits down with Amin Sheikh , the pitmaster behind Fire & Smoke BBQ, to talk about the craft of proper barbecue. From 16-hour smoked brisket to fall-off-the-bone beef ribs and butter bath turkey, Amin...

Jibran from Diamond Events returns to The Judge Reviews Podcast following the hugely successful Diamond Wedding Show. From organising and hosting the event himself — suited, mic in hand — to managing pressure behind the scenes, this episode breaks down what really went into pulling it off. We talk: • What nearly went wrong • The biggest risks he took • What he would change next time • How the even...

In this episode of The Judge Reviews Podcast, we sit down with Asif from the legendary Shish Mahal — the next generation behind one of Glasgow’s most iconic restaurants, often credited as the birthplace of Chicken Tikka Masala. This conversation goes beyond history. Asif shares real insight into modern food culture, chefs, restaurant trends, and what today’s hospitality industry is actually like b...

This week on The Judge Reviews Podcast we’re joined by Manchester’s own Munching Akhi — one of the UK’s most recognisable food reviewers and social personalities. We talk content creation, viral moments, restaurant expectations, and what really happens behind food reviews. Got questions for future guests? Drop me a DM. 🎙 The Judge Reviews Podcast

n this powerful episode of The Judge Reviews Podcast , Jay sits down with Kieron , founder of Men Unfiltered , to have an honest, no-filter conversation about men’s mental health, vulnerability, and what it really means to be “strong.” Kieron shares the story behind Men Unfiltered, why so many men struggle in silence, and how his movement is creating safe spaces for real conversations in Glasgow a...

Abby from Three Brothers and Afra from Quantum Builders are back on the hot seat — but this time it’s less business chat and more real talk between childhood mates. From smash burgers and secret side hustles to big reputations, hospitality, and a very questionable £2,000 auction purchase, this episode is pure Glasgow energy. We dive into what really inspires people, whether the city’s food scene i...