The Judge Reviews

What actually makes a restaurant feel premium, busy and worth spending money in?In this episode of The Judge Reviews Podcast, I sit down with interior designer and Design First founder Aqsa Riaz, whose work has included major QSR brands such as Popeyes and German Doner Kebab.We talk about the psychology behind restaurant design, why some places instantly feel expensive, the biggest mistakes food businesses make with their interiors, how social media has changed restaurant design, and what really goes on behind the scenes when major brands launch new locations.Aqsa also talks about building her own business, working in the commercial design world, appearing on BBC Two’s My Unique B&B, and what it takes to turn an empty space into somewhere customers actually want to spend time — and money.A proper behind-the-scenes look at food, business, branding and design.

🥊 From the streets of Glasgow to representing Scotland and Great Britain — Isa Akram is a young boxer with big ambitions.In this episode of The Judge Reviews Podcast, we sit down with rising professional boxer Isa Akram to discuss his journey from amateur boxing success to making his professional debut.But this conversation goes far beyond boxing.We explore the discipline, sacrifices, family support and personal motivation that drive a young man to chase his dreams while others his age are living very different lives.🎙️ In this episode, we discuss:Growing up in Glasgow and discovering boxingRepresenting Scotland and Great BritainHis journey to becoming a professional boxerFamily, support and the sacrifices behind successStaying disciplined in a world full of distractionsInjuries, setbacks and overcoming difficult momentsMoney, sponsorship and the reality of professional boxingFriendships, relationships and life outside the ringThe importance of guidance and role models for young peopleHis ambitions and plans for the futureAn honest conversation about much more than boxing — it's about ambition, resilience and the mindset needed to succeed.A huge thanks to Isa Akram for joining us!📺 Subscribe to The Judge Reviews Podcast for conversations with inspiring personalities, entrepreneurs, athletes and people making an impact.📱 Follow The Judge Reviews:TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube: @thejudgereviews🌐 www.thejudgereviews.co.uk📩 [email protected]#IsaAkram #TheJudgeReviews #Boxing #GlasgowBoxing #ScottishBoxing #BoxingPodcast #ProfessionalBoxing #Discipline #Motivation #Glasgow

The Nation’s Choice Awards 2026 – THE BIG DEBRIEF! 🎙️🏆The awards night is over, but the conversation isn't!After Scotland's first Nation’s Choice Awards, we're sitting down to discuss everything that happened behind the scenes, the highs, the challenges and what we'd do differently next time.Joining The Judge Reviews is Jibran from Diamond Events, with the conversation hosted by Atta Yaqub.In this special LIVE podcast, we discuss:🏆 The success of our first awards ceremony🎉 The atmosphere, winners and unforgettable moments🎬 What really went on behind the scenes🤔 What worked, what didn't and what we'd improve📈 What we learned and the future of The Nation’s Choice Awards💬 LIVE viewers' comments, questions and honest feedbackWith 88 businesses involved, 360 guests, over 15,000 public votes and 17 award categories, the inaugural event was a huge milestone.This wasn't just about handing out trophies. It was about recognising businesses, bringing people together and giving the public a genuine voice.We also wanted to hear from YOU! This podcast was recorded live, with viewers sharing their thoughts and feedback throughout.Was the night a success? What could we have done better? And will we be back bigger next year?Watch the full conversation and let us know your thoughts in the comments.👍 LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE to The Judge Reviews Podcast.#NationsChoiceAwards #TheJudgeReviews #AwardsDebrief #Glasgow #ScottishBusiness #Podcast #DiamondEvents

Adam Siddique and Zohaib join The Judge Reviews Podcast to tell the story behind RS Promotions — a new boxing promotion created in memory of their friend Ramzan.We talk about who Ramzan was, why they chose boxing, what “Let His Name Live On” means to them, stepping into the white-collar boxing scene as two South Asian promoters, the challenges of putting on their first event at Paisley Lagoon, fighter safety, sponsorship, community work, grief, business, and where they want to take RS Promotions next.We also get into the wider promotion scene, who they’ve taken inspiration from, what they want to do differently, and whether RS can grow into something much bigger than just boxing.🥊 RS PromotionsInstagram & TikTok: @rspromotions26🎙️ The Judge Reviews PodcastSponsored by:Steak Lounge & GrillFigo’sHalal Kebab HouseThree BrothersLike, comment and subscribe for more real conversations with the people building businesses, brands and communities across Scotland.#RSPromotions #Boxing #WhiteCollarBoxing #GlasgowBoxing #Paisley #TheJudgeReviews #Podcast #ScottishPodcast #Ramzan #LetHisNameLiveOn

DJ Magsta joins me on The Judge Reviews Podcast for a proper conversation about the reality of life behind the decks.We talk about how she got into DJing, what her family thought about it, being a female DJ in the South Asian scene, whether women are treated differently in the industry, and what Asian weddings are really like from the DJ’s point of view.We also get into the business side of DJing, awkward clients, discounts, competition between DJs, crazy wedding stories, difficult crowds, the pressure of keeping a dancefloor alive, and the side of the industry that people don’t always see on Instagram.We also speak about her Ladies Only Fake Mehndi event, how the idea came about, and where she wants to take DJ Magsta in the future.A mix of funny stories, honest opinions, culture, business and the reality of working in the Asian events scene.Guest: DJ MagstaPodcast: The Judge Reviews Podcast#DJMagsta #TheJudgeReviewsPodcast #AsianWeddings #FemaleDJ #Bhangra #Bollywood #Desi #Podcast #GlasgowPodcast #ScottishPodcast

Welcome to JUDGE THIS — You Said It. Now Defend It.In this episode, Fajr Rana and Amjid Bashir sit down for a direct, unfiltered debate on the subjects people in our community often avoid.We discuss marriage, relationships, family, parents, culture, Islam, traditions, modern expectations and double standards — with both guests challenged to explain and defend their views.No shouting for the sake of it. No scripted answers. Just two different perspectives, difficult questions and an open conversation.Topics include:Should your spouse come before your parents? Who should pay the bills in a marriage? Does your partner need to know everything about your past? Traditional husbands vs traditional wives Culture vs Islam in marriage Parents having too much influence Phones, trust and privacy Polygamy Double standards between men and womenWatch until the end and let us know in the comments where you stand.JUDGE THISYou Said It. Now Defend It.Subscribe to The Judge Reviews for more podcasts, debates and conversations.#JudgeThis #TheJudgeReviews #Podcast #Debate #Marriage #Relationships #Culture #Islam #BritishMuslims #DoubleStandards

Kaz, better known as Life of Kaz, joins me to talk about the reality behind his transformation — going from around 40% body fat to 20%, changing his relationship with food, building discipline and coming through some difficult periods along the way.We speak about what finally made him change, the mistakes he made while losing weight, balancing takeaways and family life, boxing and physical challenges, social media pressure, mindset, and why he’s now moving into personal training and coaching to help other people do the same.This isn’t just a before-and-after story. It’s about what it actually takes to change your lifestyle and keep going when motivation disappears.Topics include: weight loss, body fat, food, mindset, discipline, mental health, boxing, social media, family life and online coaching.Follow Kaz: @lifeofkaz / @lifeofkaz1The Judge Reviews Podcast#LifeOfKaz #WeightLoss #Fitness #Mindset #Transformation #Podcast

What really goes on behind the counter of a Glasgow corner shop?In this episode of The Judge Reviews Podcast, we sit down with the man behind Fernhill Grocers to talk about the reality of running a local convenience store — from family business and long hours to shoplifting, customer stories, social media, viral products and the true margins behind the till.We also get into how Fernhill Grocers built a strong presence online, their BBC Scotland appearance, the changing face of the traditional corner shop and what the future looks like for independent retailers.And of course, we finish with Confessions of a Shopkeeper — the strangest customers, ridiculous shoplifting attempts, staff habits and the things only a shopkeeper would know. 😂Topics include:• The story behind Fernhill Grocers• Growing up in a family business• The real money in convenience retail• Competing with supermarkets• Social media and viral products• Shoplifting and customer behaviour• Community and local business• Confessions of a Shopkeeper• The future of Fernhill GrocersIf you enjoy the episode, make sure you LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE to The Judge Reviews Podcast.Kiddaa.#TheJudgeReviews #FernhillGrocers #Glasgow #Podcast #CornerShop #SmallBusiness #FamilyBusiness #ScottishBusiness

Stephanie Heaney joins me on The Judge Reviews Podcast for a proper conversation about the woman behind the glamorous image.We talk about her journey through modelling, fashion and catwalks, women’s empowerment, motherhood, confidence, social media, public judgement and what life really looks like behind the scenes.Stephanie also opens up about her connection with the Asian community, East meets West culture, glamorous events, Monaco, networking and how people’s perception of you can be very different from reality.And of course, we have a bit of fun with How Asian Are You?, Stephanie Rates Glasgow Men’s DMs and Red Flag / Green Flag.A very different side of Stephanie Heaney.Topics include: modelling, fashion, confidence, women’s empowerment, motherhood, social media, Asian culture, Glasgow, Monaco, relationships, public image and what’s next.Subscribe to The Judge Reviews Podcast for more real conversations with interesting people from business, entertainment, culture and beyond.#StephanieHeaney #TheJudgeReviews #Podcast #Glasgow #Modelling #Fashion #WomensEmpowerment #SocialMedia #Monaco #AsianCommunity

From London to Glasgow, Asad Iqbal has spent more than 20 years building, rebuilding and staying relevant in one of the toughest industries there is.Best known as the man behind Charcoals, Asad opens up about his early days, how he fell into food, the different businesses and concepts he tried along the way, Charcoals Trongate, Hamilton, Yallah, the mistakes, the setbacks and the mindset that kept him going when others disappeared.We also talk about longevity, family, business lessons, community work, feeding people in need, awards, changing Glasgow, and what it really takes to survive in hospitality for decades.A proper old-school gentleman with a very modern story of resilience.Asad Iqbal — The Charcoals Legacy.#AsadIqbal #Charcoals #Glasgow #BusinessPodcast #RestaurantBusiness #Entrepreneurship #Hospitality #TheJudgeReviews