The Bits You Don't See
The Bits You Don't See
Podcast Description
Ever wonder what happens behind the scenes of a champion's journey or a CEO’s rise to the top? The Bits You Don’t See Podcast dives into the moments that don’t make the headlines—the raw emotions, untold struggles, and surprising stories that shape extraordinary lives.
Through honest conversations with athletes, business leaders, and other high achievers, we uncover the hidden side of their journeys. It’s not just about the wins; it’s about the lessons learned in the shadows, the challenges that built resilience, and the personal stories that rarely see the light of day.
If you’re ready to explore the human side of success—the bits you don’t usually hear about—hit subscribe and join us every week for inspiring, real, and thought-provoking conversations.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The show explores themes of resilience, personal growth, and the untold narratives that accompany success. Topics include the emotional battles faced by professional athletes, such as stress and anxiety, as discussed by guests like Amy Boulden, alongside entrepreneurial journeys in competitive markets illustrated by Jodi Thompson’s experience in Dubai real estate. Episodes also cover insights from high-stakes industries, revealing the challenges behind building a business empire, like Johnny Vegas's rise from poverty.
Ever wonder what happens behind the scenes of a champion’s journey or a CEO’s rise to the top? The Bits You Don’t See Podcast dives into the moments that don’t make the headlines—the raw emotions, untold struggles, and surprising stories that shape extraordinary lives.
Through honest conversations with athletes, business leaders, and other high achievers, we uncover the hidden side of their journeys. It’s not just about the wins; it’s about the lessons learned in the shadows, the challenges that built resilience, and the personal stories that rarely see the light of day.
If you’re ready to explore the human side of success—the bits you don’t usually hear about—hit subscribe and join us every week for inspiring, real, and thought-provoking conversations.
From dusty decks in Liverpool to launching MixMag UAE in 2025, Mark Pickup has spent decades at the heart of nightlife and media. In this episode, he pulls back the curtain on Dubai’s evolution—from underground beats to headline DJs, from fringe venues to festival‑sized crowds.
Whether you live for the bass, curate the scene, or just love what nightlife culture can bring—this one’s for you.
What you’ll hear:
How Mark turned passion into a platform with MixMag UAE
The untold history of Dubai’s dance and DJ scene
The challenges of launching a media brand in a competitive market
Local talent, big names, and the intersection of creative culture + commerce
Where nightlife is headed—and why the best is still ahead
⏱️ Chapters
00:00 ‑ Intro: Meet Mark Pickup & MixMag UAE
01:12 ‑ Launching MixMag UAE & Vision for Nightlife
02:13 ‑ Music Roots: Drums, Bands & Early DJ Days
06:18 ‑ Spotlight on Local DJs & Artists
07:09 ‑ Returning to Dubai: Then vs Now
08:19 ‑ Iconic Venues: 360, Burj Al Arab & the View From the Booth
14:15 ‑ Underground to Mainstream: How the Scene Has Changed
19:00 ‑ The Economics of Nightlife: Big Names & Table Sales
24:33 ‑ Growth & Expansion: Palm, Abu Dhabi & Beyond
27:14 ‑ Arcade82 & Live Acts: Gigs, Festivals, Dream Moments
39:10 ‑ Deep Challenges: Crash Years, Competition & Speed Bumps
45:54 ‑ Why Dubai Is Still “Land of Opportunity” for Creators
🔍 Keywords & Tags
Dubai nightlife, MixMag UAE, DJ life, electronic music, media business, local DJs, nightlife culture, Dubai clubs, music scene UAE, Arcade82, media & music, entertainment business
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Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
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