Trending Echoes Podcast
Trending Echoes is a podcast series by Trends Research and Advisory that explores contemporary issues, emerging trends, and innovations shaping the world today. The podcast features expert guests from various fields—ranging from academia, policy, technology, and media—who provide in-depth insights on topics like global cooperation, artificial intelligence, and the future of content creation. Episodes often focus on how these trends affect societies, industries, and international relations, making it a platform for knowledge exchange and thoughtful discussions.
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Episodes
Saturday Feb 28, 2026
Saturday Feb 07, 2026
Saturday Feb 07, 2026
In this Trending Echoes episode, Dr. Samir Al-Taqi discusses the “Age of Controlled Chaos” shaping the Middle East and global order. He examines regional instability after the collapse of major power arrangements, the impact of the Ukraine war and October 7, the rise of non-state and ideological actors, and the risks facing Syria’s future. The conversation also explores governance failures, political Islam, economic models for recovery, terrorism dynamics, and shifting roles of the U.S., China, and other global powers — concluding with his outlook on how stable regional states can prevent wider collapse through cooperation and restraint.YouTube Chapters 00:00:00 — Introduction & scope of discussion00:01:08 — Why the Middle East is entering a fragile phase00:05:31 — October 7 and the regional strategic rupture00:07:42 — Non-state actors & political Islam00:12:29 — Syria’s future: reconciliation & decentralization00:20:42 — Syria’s economic crisis & reform paths00:26:27 — Terrorism, jihadist groups & state weakness00:33:07 — Muslim Brotherhood: Syria vs region00:35:35 — U.S. role & the emerging global order00:40:13 — Closing outlook on the Middle East’s futureWatch the full episode, subscribe to Trending Echoes, and share your thoughts in the comments.
Friday Jan 16, 2026
Friday Jan 16, 2026
In this episode of Trending Echoes, Elyazia Al Hosani speaks with Dr. Jean-Marc Feghali, Director of Innovation at WeWalk, about inclusive technology, visual impairment, and how lived experience can shape meaningful innovation.Dr Feghali shares his personal journey growing up in Abu Dhabi with congenital visual impairment and how it led him to pursue engineering, mobility research, and eventually co-founding WeWalk—a smart mobility solution designed to empower people with visual impairments. The conversation explores how traditional tools like the white cane can be enhanced through thoughtful technology, without replacing their core purpose.The episode also delves into systems engineering, user-led design, academic–industry collaboration, and the responsible use of AI and computer vision in assistive technologies. From real user stories to global recognition, research scalability, personal challenges, and the importance of inclusive societies, this discussion highlights how innovation grounded in empathy can improve lives far beyond its original audience.Chapters00:00 — Welcome to Trending Echoes00:02 — Guest Introduction: Dr Jean-Marc Feghali & WeWalk00:29 — What Is WeWalk and Its Mission02:05 — Understanding Visual Impairment03:03 — Growing Up Visually Impaired in Abu Dhabi04:44 — From Civil Engineering to Mobility Research06:56 — Joining WeWalk and User-Led Innovation08:22 — PhD Research and Systems Engineering Approach10:09 — Balancing Technology with the Traditional White Cane11:38 — Real User Stories and Global Impact13:23 — UK Government Engagement & King’s Innovation Award14:45 — Imperial College and Academic Collaboration15:44 — Scaling Research, Industry Transition & Investment18:18 — Personal Challenges, Vision Loss & Resilience21:06 — AI, Computer Vision & Cautious Innovation23:05 — Why Inclusive Design Benefits Everyone24:52 — The Next Five Years for WeWalk26:01 — Inclusivity, Society & the UAE Experience28:05 — Advice to Young Innovators
Saturday Jan 03, 2026
Saturday Jan 03, 2026
In this episode of Trending Echoes, host Elyazia Al Hosani sits down with Emily Austin, an American journalist and media personality, for an in-depth conversation on authenticity, journalism, social media algorithms, AI, and the growing responsibility of public voices in an increasingly polarised world.Emily shares how she maintains authenticity in an industry driven by narratives, why sports can succeed where politics often fails, and how extremist content is amplified through algorithms, bot networks, and misinformation. The discussion also examines journalism ethics, deepfakes, AI tools like ChatGPT, freedom of speech versus regulation, and the powerful influence of platforms such as TikTok on younger generations.From navigating online threats to redefining credibility in the digital age, this episode offers a candid look at the challenges facing modern journalism—and the responsibility that comes with having a voice that echoes far beyond the screen.Topics covered include:• Authenticity in journalism• Sports diplomacy and unity• Algorithms, extremism, and misinformation• AI, deepfakes, and ChatGPT• Freedom of speech vs regulation• Journalism ethics and accountability• Advice for young journalistsChapters00:00 – Introduction & Guest WelcomeElyazia Al Hosani introduces Trending Echoes and welcomes journalist Emily Austin.02:07 – Authenticity in Media & Finding Your VoiceEmily explains how she stays authentic in a narrative-driven industry.03:48 – Sports as a Tool for Unity & DiplomacyWhy sports can bridge divides when politics fails.06:02 – Algorithms, Extremism & MisinformationHow social media algorithms amplify extreme narratives and fake engagement.07:00 – Journalism, Integrity & Media AccountabilityThe responsibility of journalists and the damage caused by misinformation.09:18 – Credibility in the Age of TikTok & InfluencersStaying trustworthy as news consumption shifts to social platforms.12:26 – AI, ChatGPT & the Rise of DeepfakesThe benefits and dangers of AI-driven information ecosystems.16:06 – Radical Groups, Media Infiltration & Security RisksHow extremist networks exploit media and social platforms.26:00 – Online Threats, Free Speech & Personal ResilienceNavigating harassment, threats, and the limits of free speech.40:59 – Advice for Young Journalists & Final ReflectionsEmily’s message to the next generation of journalists.
Saturday Dec 13, 2025
Saturday Dec 13, 2025
In this episode of Trending Echoes, Abdulaziz Ahmed Al Shehhi, Researcher and Deputy Head of the Research Sector at TRENDS Research & Advisory, hosts a deep and candid conversation with Imam Mohammed Tawhidi, internationally known as the Imam of Peace and a governing member of the Global Imams Council.The episode explores how extremist organizations operate under religious cover, examining their ideological narratives, political strategies, and methods of influence. The discussion addresses recent moves in the United States to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization, the exploitation of democratic freedoms, and the misuse of humanitarian and charitable platforms. It also highlights the growing role of social media and AI in radicalization and influence campaigns, and the broader implications for Western societies and the Muslim world.⸻Episode Highlights • The global debate around designating the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization • Extremism as an organized network, not a religious school of thought • How ideology inspired groups such as Al-Qaeda and ISIS • Infiltration of Western institutions and democratic systems • Weaponization of Islamophobia and political causes • Misuse of charities and humanitarian fundraising • Terror financing and transnational networks • Social media and AI as tools of radicalization and influence • Targeting youth, universities, and public discourse • The long-term consequences of ignoring ideological extremismChapters00:00 — Opening: Unmasking Extremism01:00 — U.S. Designation of the Muslim Brotherhood03:30 — The Muslim Brotherhood: Organization, Not Ideology06:00 — From Sayyid Qutb to ISIS08:30 — Infiltration of Western Institutions10:30 — Weaponizing Islamophobia & Palestine13:00 — Terror Financing & Charitable Fronts18:00 — Exploiting Democracy & Minority Rights23:00 — Social Media, AI & Youth Radicalization31:00 — The Long-Term Consequences of Ignoring Extremism
Monday Dec 01, 2025
Monday Dec 01, 2025
In this special episode of Trending Echoes, we sit down with Alexis Bonnell, the Chief AI Adoption & Acceleration Officer and Lead for U.S. National Lab Partnerships at OpenAI. Together, we explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of government, public services, diplomacy, education, and everyday life.Through a candid and insightful conversation, Alexis discusses: • What “AI for Humanity” truly means in a government context • How governments can use AI to transform efficiency, services, and mission delivery • Why trust, transparency, and responsible use are essential • How AI can support policymaking, scenario planning, and national development • The future of AI in defense, public administration, and citizen experience • Parenting in the age of AI — and how to prepare the next generation • How countries like United Arab Emirates are taking a leading role in shaping AI innovation and global cooperation • Her personal stories about using AI in daily life and creativityAlexis also reflects on her participation in the TRENDS Annual AI Conference, her experiences living in the UAE, and why the next decade will redefine how humans and intelligent systems work together.This episode is a must-watch for policymakers, innovators, educators, and anyone curious about how AI will shape the world we live in.Chapters 00:00 – Introduction & Guest WelcomeOpening the episode and introducing Alexis Bonnell from OpenAI.01:00 – What “AI for Humanity” Means for GovernmentsHow AI can transform public services, missions, and citizen experience.04:30 – Trust, Safety & Responsible AI UseBuilding confidence in AI technology and ensuring safe adoption.07:20 – AI Across Government SectorsFrom defense to public administration — why all sectors must embrace AI.10:00 – AI in Policymaking, Efficiency & Everyday LifeHow AI improves decisions, reduces bureaucracy, and supports daily tasks.16:00 – AI in Education & Raising the Next GenerationPreparing children and youth for an AI-driven future.19:40 – AI, Diplomacy & Global Security RisksHow AI strengthens cooperation — and the challenges of misuse.27:20 – The UAE’s Leadership & The Future of AIWhy the UAE is emerging as a global AI-native nation.
Saturday Nov 15, 2025
Friday Oct 31, 2025