Postcards from Doha - An Interview With Edward Kolla

What do we get up to when we're not recording Postcards from Doha? Quite a lot, actually! In this episode, we're taking a little break from exploring Qatar to share some of the creative projects keeping us busy behind the scenes. Sandra talks about launching Northern Wind Trading, her new business featuring jewelry and beautifully designed scarves inspired by Qatar, travel and the things she loves. She also shares the realities of setting up a business in Qatar, from navigating the paperwork to turning a creative idea into something real. Tova takes us into her world of writing, including her latest memoir, The Socialite's Pilgrimage: Yalla Habibi!, and her upcoming humorous take on Qatar's history, Same Same and Other Qatar Stories. We chat about her experiences living in Vienna, working at the UN and finding inspiration in some unexpected places. Along the way, we talk about our education, previous careers, creative influences and what it's like to start something new at this stage of life. Because who says you have to have everything figured out by your forties? Whether you've been dreaming about writing a book, starting a business or simply trying something different, we hope this episode inspires you to give it a go. So, if you were sending a postcard home, what big idea would you write about? Find us on Instagram: @postcards_from_doha_podcast @northernwindtrading @tovamarr  

This week on Postcards from Doha, we sit down with Almas Khalam, founder of True Leaf, a local Qatar business specializing in fresh microgreens and wheatgrass. We chat about the inspiration behind True Leaf, the realities of entrepreneurship in Qatar and what it takes to turn an idea into a thriving local business. From the challenges of growing fresh produce in a desert climate to the rewards of building something of your own, Almas shares her journey with us. Join Sandra and Tova for a conversation about passion, perseverance and the people doing interesting things right here in Doha. Discover True Leaf: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tru.leaf/ Website: https://www.truleafgarden.com/

If you've spent any time in Doha, you know this city attracts some pretty interesting characters! This week on Postcards from Doha, we're having a little fun with the 10 types of people you're almost guaranteed to meet in Qatar. From the expat who came for two years and somehow stayed for twenty, to the person who knows absolutely everyone, the devoted foodie and the five-star luxury lover, we've met them all! We're sharing a few laughs, some familiar observations and admitting which categories we might fall into ourselves (although we may deny a few!). But beyond the humour, we're also talking about what makes Doha's wonderfully diverse community so special. People arrive from all over the world for completely different reasons, yet somehow we all become part of the same story. So, which type of Doha person are you? And more importantly, which one are we? Join us for a lighthearted episode of Postcards from Doha, available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.

In honour of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, this week on Postcards from Doha we sit down with Sandee Thompson, a two-time breast cancer survivor who has called Qatar home for many years. Sandee shares her experience of building a life in Doha, finding community far from home and navigating breast cancer while living abroad. We talk about the people and experiences that have shaped her time here, the importance of connection and why she believes in living life as largely as possible.

The Pearl, West Bay, Lusail, Msheireb… where do you actually start? This week on Postcards from Doha, we’re tackling one of the biggest questions when moving to Qatar: where should you live? We break down some of Doha’s most popular neighbourhoods, what they’re really like to live in and the pros and cons nobody puts in the rental listing. We’re talking furnished versus unfurnished apartments, serviced residences, amenities that may or may not actually exist, renting versus buying and the red flags we’ve learned to watch for before signing a lease. Whether you’re planning a move, newly arrived or just curious about how people actually live in Doha, come along with us.

This week on Postcards from Doha, we sit down with Edward Kolla, Associate Professor of History at Georgetown University in Qatar, to talk about what 16 years of living in Doha has taught him. We hear how the city has changed, how living abroad has shaped the way he sees the world and the best parts, biggest challenges and unexpected lessons that come with making Doha home.

Join us as we eat our way through Doha and share the foods that have completely changed the way we think about dining. From our first shawarma and karak to the incredible Lebanese, Indian, Turkish and Persian cuisine we've fallen in love with, we're talking about the meals, traditions and guilty pleasures that have become part of everyday life in Qatar. Whether you're planning a move, already living here or just love food, come hungry for this one.

This week on Postcards from Doha, we sit down with Tova’s husband, Ahmed Fatouh, a cybersecurity specialist who took the leap and started his own firm right here in Doha. We talk about his career, what it’s really like to build a business in Qatar, the opportunities and challenges along the way and his perspective on working and living in a rapidly growing city.

Visiting or moving to Qatar? In this episode, we're sharing the dos and don'ts we wish someone had told us before we arrived—from dress codes and public etiquette to Ramadan, photography, greetings, and the little cultural surprises that can catch newcomers off guard. It's an honest, practical, and fun conversation full of lessons we've learned (sometimes the hard way!).

Ever wondered who we are beyond the stories we share on the podcast? In this special Q&A episode, we're pulling back the curtain and answering your questions about our lives, careers, friendships, travel, relationships, and the journey that brought us to Qatar. From funny moments and unexpected challenges to the lessons we've learned along the way, this is our most personal episode yet. Whether you've been with us since the beginning or you're just discovering Postcards from Doha, this is the perfect chance to get to know the people behind the microphones. Join us for plenty of laughs, honest conversations, and a few surprises we’ve never shared before.