In this episode of Crossroads, co-hosts Dr. David Tully and Deema Maghalseh explore the future of storytelling with Rory McLoughlin, Executive Producer at Film x People and founder of Like Minds UAE, one of the country's largest creative communities connecting creatives and industry professionals.

As emerging formats such as micro-dramas reshape content creation and consumption, the future of storytelling is being redefined. With audiences increasingly drawn to authentic stories, what influences—and who ultimately shapes—the narratives we tell?

The conversation explores the evolving media landscape, the tension between authenticity and emerging trends, the future of filmmaking in the UAE, and the kinds of stories and creative products the UAE can produce to strengthen its global creative presence and connect with international audiences. It also examines what creators need to thrive in an increasingly dynamic media environment.

Who better to unpack this than veteran journalist, editor, and media executive Michael Jabri-Pickett — one of the key figures who helped shape the English-language news landscape across the UAE and GCC over the past two decades. He was part of the founding team behind The National newspaper in Abu Dhabi, later became Editor-in-Chief of Khaleej Times, and is now the Founder and Managing Director of This Is Dubai, a digital media and culture platform.

In an unfiltered conversation with co-hosts Dr. David Tully and Deema Maghalseh, Michael shares an insider perspective on how newsrooms really operate behind the scenes, the realities behind editorial decision-making, and how audience behavior, politics, and the rapidly evolving media landscape are reshaping journalism today.

Our never-ending quest to investigate the business and pleasure of all the arts and entertainment industries throughout the region and around the globe continues apace!

This week we set our sights on the world of concept art: our guest is Talal Al Najarr, part of a new generation of contemporary Emirati artists emerging in the "digital-age Gulf."

His experimental work blends sculpture, CGI, video, installation, sound, and archival imagery, to explore themes like simulation, identity, postmodern culture, absurdism and distorted material culture, and is featured in several shows and installations right now across Arts Week.

Works mentioned in this week's discussion include: Tom Wolfe's The Painted Word, Jean-Paul Sartre's Nausea, and Camille Paglia's Glittering Images: A Journey Through Art from Egypt to Star Wars