Thought Behind Things
Syed Muzamil Hasan Zaidi
TBT is Pakistan's fastest-growing podcast show covering conversations around Art, Culture & Technology. Tune in thrice a week to be a part of our community!
We upload every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
We upload every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 3, 2025 • 1h 39min
Maha Shahzad: I Built a PROFITABLE Startup Without a DEGREE!! | 473 | TBT
In this episode of Thought Behind Things, we’re joined by Maha Shahzad, the founder & CEO of Buscaro — Pakistan’s first tech-enabled bus-sharing startup that’s making everyday commuting safer, smarter, and more affordable for thousands of Pakistanis.From doing odd jobs to fund her education, to building a profitable transport startup without a degree, Maha’s story is pure resilience. She shares how her experiences at Careem, Foodpanda, and SWVL shaped her understanding of Pakistan’s mobility problems — and how a confusing global model inspired her to build something truly local.We Explore:How SWVL’s confusing model failed to connect with Pakistani commutersThe story behind Buscaro and how it was born during the downturnHow she raised her first investor cheque and built a profitable startupBuscaro’s 6.5 million-dollars annual revenue and 70-member teamHow the platform ensures safety for women & school childrenMaha also opens up about investor trust after 2022, navigating bias as a young female founder, and her long-term vision for Pakistan’s urban mobility.Socials:TBT’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtbehindthings/TBT’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tbtbymuzamilTBT’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thoughtbehindthingsTBT Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@tbtpodcastclipsMuzamil's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muzamilhasan/Muzamil's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muzamilhasan/Maha's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maha-shahzad-88878b220/Special thanks to Daftarkhwan for providing us with the studio space.You can find out more about them at: https://www.daftarkhwan.com/Credits:Executive Producer: Syed Muzamil Hasan ZaidiAssociate Producer: Saad ShehryarPublisher: Talha ShaikhEditor: Jawad Sajid
Oct 31, 2025 • 1h 59min
Pakistan’s Entertainment Powerhouse: ARY's Journey to 66 Billion Views Ft. Jerjees Seja | 472 | TBT
In this episode of Thought Behind Things, we’re joined by Jerjees Seja, CEO of ARY Digital Network, one of Pakistan’s most iconic media leaders. From shaping the country’s TV and drama landscape to building ARY into a powerhouse of entertainment, Jerjees shares his journey of transforming Pakistan’s media industry.We discuss:How Pakistan’s private TV revolution beganThe economics behind news, dramas, and entertainment ProductionWhy premium Pakistani content is now free on YouTubeWhy global giants like Netflix don’t invest in PakistanThe future of OTT and local streaming platformsWhy filmmaking still isn’t profitable hereThe evolving audience behavior and the road to 2050Socials:TBT’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtbehindthings/TBT’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tbtbymuzamilTBT’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thoughtbehindthingsTBT Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@tbtpodcastclipsMuzamil's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muzamilhasan/Muzamil's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muzamilhasan/Jerjees's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerjeesseja/Special thanks to Daftarkhwan for providing us with the studio space.You can find out more about them at: https://www.daftarkhwan.com/Credits:Executive Producer: Syed Muzamil Hasan ZaidiAssociate Producer: Saad ShehryarPublisher: Talha ShaikhEditor: Jawad Sajid
Oct 29, 2025 • 1h 46min
Arif Lakhani: You Can Buy ANYTHING On Installments In Pakistan!! | 471 | TBT
In this episode of Thought Behind Things, we’re joined by Arif Lakhani, Co-Founder of QistBazaar, Pakistan’s fastest-growing fintech platform making anything, from bikes to fridges, available on easy installments.We explore:How QistBazaar gives access to credit without traditional bankingWhy 90% of startup funding never enters Pakistan’s economyAre easy installments driving consumerism and debt?The rise of Pakistan’s emerging middle class and fintech revolutionIPO dreams, PSX’s broken perception, and what real innovation looks likeSocials:TBT’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtbehindthings/TBT’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tbtbymuzamilTBT’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thoughtbehindthingsTBT Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@tbtpodcastclipsMuzamil's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muzamilhasan/Muzamil's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muzamilhasan/Arif's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariflakhaniSpecial thanks to Kickstart for providing us with the studio space.You can find out more about them at: https://kickstart.pk/Credits:Executive Producer: Syed Muzamil Hasan ZaidiAssociate Producer: Saad ShehryarPublisher: Talha ShaikhEditor: Jawad Sajid
Oct 24, 2025 • 1h 59min
Myco Founder: 30M Registered Users Across the Globe!! | 470 | TBT
Find out more about Endeavor: https://pakistan.endeavor.orgIn this episode of Thought Behind Things, we’re joined by Umair Masoom Usmani, the Founder of Myco, a rapidly growing OTT and creator-monetization platform redefining how people consume, fund, and earn from content across emerging markets.After leaving Dubai’s corporate comfort, Umair built one of Pakistan’s fastest-scaling digital ventures with 30M+ registered users, exclusive Premier League streaming rights, and operations across Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Egypt.We explore:Why Umair left “too-good-to-be-true” job in Dubai to start MycoHow the global media system is broken and what Myco is fixingThe $25 million raised in equity & debt fundingWhy creators don’t make money and how Myco plans to change thatThe future of sports, digital content, and monetization in PakistanSocials:TBT’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtbehindthings/TBT’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tbtbymuzamilTBT’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thoughtbehindthingsTBT Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@tbtpodcastclipsMuzamil's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muzamilhasan/Muzamil's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muzamilhasan/Umair's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/umair-masoom-usmani-b12ab025/Special thanks to Kickstart for providing us with the studio space.You can find out more about them at: https://kickstart.pk/Credits:Executive Producer: Syed Muzamil Hasan ZaidiAssociate Producer: Saad ShehryarPublisher: Talha ShaikhEditor: Jawad Sajid
Oct 22, 2025 • 2h 7min
Scents N Stories CEO: We Have 40+ OUTLETS Across PAKISTAN! | 469 | TBT
Find out more about Endeavor: https://pakistan.endeavor.orgIn this episode of Thought Behind Things, we’re joined by Saad Afridi, the Founder & CEO of Scents N Stories, Pakistan’s leading fragrance brand with over 40 outlets, 300+ employees, and one of the top 5 players in the country’s perfume market.From starting with men’s grooming products to building a nationwide perfume empire, Saad shares the story of how Scents N Stories grew from a small e-commerce experiment into Pakistan’s most recognizable fragrance brand.We explore:Moving from beard grooming to online perfume salesBuilding 40+ outlets across Pakistan using e-commerce dataWhy Pakistan’s perfume market is more advanced than Indonesia & BangladeshLocal manufacturing vs import, and how they keep costs lowWhy luxury perfumes cost 30x more than theirsSocials:TBT’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtbehindthings/TBT’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tbtbymuzamilTBT’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thoughtbehindthingsTBT Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@tbtpodcastclipsMuzamil's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muzamilhasan/Muzamil's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muzamilhasan/Saad's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/msaadafridi/Special thanks to Kickstart for providing us with the studio space.You can find out more about them at: https://kickstart.pk/Credits:Executive Producer: Syed Muzamil Hasan ZaidiAssociate Producer: Saad ShehryarPublisher: Talha ShaikhEditor: Jawad Sajid
Oct 20, 2025 • 1h 36min
Saad Riaz: How Kickstart Became Pakistan’s LARGEST Coworking Space | 468 | TBT
Find out more about Endeavor: https://pakistan.endeavor.orgIn this episode of Thought Behind Things, we’re joined by Saad Riaz, Co-Founder of Kickstart Pakistan, the country’s one of the largest coworking network powering thousands of professionals and businesses every day.Saad opens up about how Kickstart survived Pakistan’s toughest economic years, scaled sustainably, and redefined what “workspace” really means.We explore:How Kickstart's coworking model actually makes moneyWhy Kickstart doesn’t prefer to work with unstable startupsRenting vs Coworking — Which gives better yields for landlords?Why employee retention is about value, not just salaryWhy experience design is everything for the next generationSocials:TBT’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtbehindthings/TBT’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tbtbymuzamilTBT’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thoughtbehindthingsTBT Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@tbtpodcastclipsMuzamil's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muzamilhasan/Muzamil's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muzamilhasan/Saad's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saad-riaz-/Special thanks to Kickstart for providing us with the studio space.You can find out more about them at: https://kickstart.pk/Credits:Executive Producer: Syed Muzamil Hasan ZaidiAssociate Producer: Saad ShehryarPublisher: Talha ShaikhEditor: Jawad Sajid
Oct 18, 2025 • 1h 38min
Dipitt Founder: We Export To 33 COUNTRIES From Pakistan!! | 467 | TBT
Find out more about Endeavor: https://pakistan.endeavor.orgIn this episode of Thought Behind Things, we’re joined by Syed Zeeshan Haider, the Founder and Director of Dipitt, Pakistan’s No.1 sauce brand exporting to over 33 countries worldwide.A LUMS graduate and engineer by training, Zeeshan began his career managing top tobacco brands before making a life-changing decision, leaving the industry to build something that aligned with his values. What started as a local food experiment is now a globally recognized Pakistani FMCG brand known for its elegant design and high quality.We explore:Zeeshan’s early career managing 3 tobacco brandsWhy he quit selling cigarettes for his daughterThe transition from restaurants to DipittDistribution, partnerships, and brand buildingScaling from local shelves to export marketsSocials:TBT’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtbehindthings/TBT’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tbtbymuzamilTBT’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thoughtbehindthingsTBT Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@tbtpodcastclipsMuzamil's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muzamilhasan/Muzamil's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muzamilhasan/Zeeshan's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/syed-zeeshan-haider-4b341916/Special thanks to Kickstart for providing us with the studio space.You can find out more about them at: https://kickstart.pk/Credits:Executive Producer: Syed Muzamil Hasan ZaidiAssociate Producer: Saad ShehryarPublisher: Talha ShaikhEditor: Jawad Sajid
Oct 13, 2025 • 1h 38min
DAYYAN: People LOVED A 13 Year Old Doing EDGY Comedy!! | 465 | TBT
In this episode of Thought Behind Things, we’re joined by Dayyan, a young, super-talented and rising stand-up comedian and content creator known for his sharp wit and humor.From small open mics to sold-out shows, Dayyan shares his unfiltered journey through Pakistan’s evolving stand-up scene, the struggles, the experiments, and the state of comedy in a sensitive country like Pakistan.We uncover:His early comedy experiments at Laugh Out LoungeWhat it’s really like performing live in PakistanWhy Pakistani comedy isn’t growing as fast as it shouldThe cultural, creative, and commercial barriers comedians faceSocials:TBT’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtbehindthings/TBT’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tbtbymuzamilTBT’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thoughtbehindthingsTBT Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@tbtpodcastclipsMuzamil's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muzamilhasan/Muzamil's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muzamilhasan/Dayyan's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dayyan_ki_chussain/Special thanks to Daftarkhwan for providing us with the studio space.You can find out more about them at: https://www.daftarkhwan.com/Credits:Executive Producer: Syed Muzamil Hasan ZaidiAssociate Producer: Saad ShehryarPublisher: Talha ShaikhEditor: Jawad Sajid
Oct 10, 2025 • 1h 43min
KTrade Chairman: BlackRock Invests In Pakistan Via KTrade!! | 464 | TBT
Find out more about Endeavor: https://pakistan.endeavor.orgIn this episode of Thought Behind Things, we’re joined by Ali Farid Khawaja, Chairman of KTrade Securities, Pakistan’s leading investment platform enabling thousands of Pakistanis to invest smartly and become part of the country’s growing capital markets.With a global background in finance and technology, having worked at UBS, Berenberg, SafeCharge, and Autonomous Research, Ali shares how he’s bridging the gap between the Pakistani stock market and local investors.We uncover:How KTrade became Pakistan’s first large-scale retail investment platformWhy only 0.2% of Pakistanis invest in stocks todayWhy millions are trading crypto and forex instead of building real wealthHow KTrade hit $6 million in daily trading volume and continues to grow KTrade’s Saudi expansionThe potential for 30 million+ Pakistanis to become investorsWhy a bull run in Pakistan might already have begunSocials:TBT’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtbehindthings/TBT’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tbtbymuzamilTBT’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thoughtbehindthingsTBT Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@tbtpodcastclipsMuzamil's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muzamilhasan/Muzamil's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muzamilhasan/Ali's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alifaridkhwaja/Credits:Executive Producer: Syed Muzamil Hasan ZaidiAssociate Producer: Saad ShehryarPublisher: Talha ShaikhEditor: Jawad Sajid
Oct 8, 2025 • 1h 39min
Sannan Saleh: Pakistan’s Media Industry Needs More Writers! | 463 | TBT
In this episode of Thought Behind Things, we’re joined by Sannan Saleh, a filmmaker, storyteller, and creative producer who’s worked with global giants like Comedy Central in Los Angeles before returning to Pakistan. Sannan shares an unfiltered look at the real state of Pakistan’s entertainment industry, its creative challenges, and the opportunities AI now brings.We explore:How his journey from Duke to LA shaped his creative mindsetWhat made him leave a stable career in the U.S. to return to PakistanWhy content distribution is easier than ever How Pakistani TV channels are afraid to take creative risksWhy boomer producers are out of touch with Gen Z audiencesWhy Pakistan doesn’t have a talent problem, it has a direction problemThe elitism in filmmaking and why cinema must be made for everyoneHow AI tools will slash production costs and change creativity foreverAn unapologetically honest conversation about filmmaking, creativity, and the evolving mindset of Pakistan’s new generation of storytellers.Socials:TBT’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtbehindthings/TBT’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tbtbymuzamilTBT’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thoughtbehindthingsTBT Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@tbtpodcastclipsMuzamil's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muzamilhasan/Muzamil's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muzamilhasan/Sannan's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sannansaleh/Special thanks to Daftarkhwan for providing us with the studio space.You can find out more about them at: https://www.daftarkhwan.com/Credits:Executive Producer: Syed Muzamil Hasan ZaidiAssociate Producer: Saad ShehryarPublisher: Talha ShaikhEditor: Jawad Sajid
