When Ubong Udoessien, also known as Yubii, recorded his first podcast episode, it was supposed to be just a simple experiment, a few chats with friends to test the waters. He did not expect it to turn into anything bigger. But within a year, that small idea grew into a full podcast network with more than 80 episodes across seven different shows, all produced by him completely on his own.
No assistants. No editors. No studio crew.
Ubong Udoessien handled every single part of the production process by himself, setting up lighting, managing multiple cameras, capturing audio, editing, creating thumbnails, adding subtitles, and distributing the final content online. He did everything end to end. Even more impressive, every episode was produced at zero cost to the hosts, making this project one of the most generous grassroots creative efforts in Dubai in recent years.
If you tried to calculate the value of Ubong Udoessien’s work based on standard market prices for production, it would easily be worth over half a million dirhams. And yet, he built this entire network on his own passion and dedication without relying on a big budget or a team.
From Power Engineering to Podcast Production
Before diving into the creative world, Ubong Udoessien was a power engineer. He spent years designing electrical components for major global companies, working on projects for the likes of HP, Dell, and Facebook. His expertise included power converters and high-voltage switchgear design, technical fields requiring precision, attention to detail, and systematic thinking.
These skills shaped the way Ubong Udoessien approached podcast production. Where most studios rely on teams with different specialists such as a sound engineer, a lighting technician, editors, and so on, Ubong Udoessien mastered all these roles himself. His background in engineering gave him a unique ability to plan workflows, troubleshoot technical problems, and keep everything running smoothly and efficiently.
The Network That Was Not Planned
Under his brand Anqor Studios, Ubong Udoessien gradually built a network of podcasts with diverse themes and hosts. Some of the notable shows include The Hive hosted by Marwa Mahgoub, Backstories with Funda Çınar, The Creative Ones led by Chime Prince, Scuba with Sara featuring Sara G, a former CNN correspondent, The Singularity Podcast co-hosted by Ubong Udoessien himself, Spotlight with Tina by Tina George, and Inspired hosted by Arwa Mohammad.
Together, these shows featured over 75 guests ranging from filmmakers, entrepreneurs, and designers to wellness experts, environmental advocates, and creatives from across the UAE.
Beyond Podcasts: Expanding Creative Horizons
Ubong Udoessien did not stop at podcasts. He also created Room 901, an intimate live music series highlighting emerging musical talents in Dubai. The series combines cinematic video production with live audio recordings, creating an immersive experience for viewers. Artists such as Winck, Alice Rowe, Lou Got Blue, Irma The First, Zarooni, Jiire, and Saelari have all performed on Room 901, using the platform to showcase their original music.
His creative work caught attention beyond the podcast community. His projects have been recognized for supporting niche and underrepresented voices, especially in environmental and wellness sectors. His dedication to capturing authentic stories has helped highlight communities and individuals often overlooked in mainstream media.
A Self-Funded, Passion-Driven Effort
What makes Ubong Udoessien’s story especially inspiring is how much he invested of himself without expecting financial reward. Every episode, every show, every project was self-funded. He provided a professional, zero-cost platform for hosts and guests to share their stories, ideas, and expertise.
This grassroots effort speaks to the power of passion and persistence. In a city full of commercial studios and large media houses, Ubong Udoessien’s network stands out as a labor of love and a true creative community contribution.
What is Next: From Solo Creator to Collaborative Visionary
While the first phase of his podcast journey was accidental, Ubong Udoessien’s next steps are purposeful. He plans to expand his content platform, develop new intellectual properties, and explore partnerships with brands and media companies.
With a proven ability to produce high-quality shows at scale all on his own, Ubong Udoessien is ready to build bigger and more ambitious projects. He is looking beyond podcasts to original series, visual storytelling, and complete content ecosystems tailored for a variety of audiences.
People often wonder how one person could manage what many studios struggle to do even with teams. The real question now is what incredible things will happen when Ubong Udoessien teams up with others to create together.
Key Highlights
Ubong Udoessien has produced over 80 podcast episodes across seven shows in one year. He managed every part of production solo, including filming, audio, lighting, editing, and publishing. He created an original live music digital series called Room 901. All these were self-funded, with no cost to hosts. The total estimated production value exceeds half a million dirhams. His work features a diverse range of voices, including media professionals, entrepreneurs, creatives, and environmental advocates.
Why This Story Matters
Ubong Udoessien’s journey is more than a story about making podcasts. It is about breaking barriers, embracing diverse voices, and proving that one person’s dedication can create a lasting impact in a bustling, competitive creative landscape.
His story reminds us that creativity does not always need big budgets or teams. Sometimes, it only needs one determined individual willing to learn, adapt, and push through challenges.
In a city like Dubai, known for its rapid development and innovation, Ubong Udoessien’s story stands as a powerful example of grassroots creativity meeting cutting-edge technology, all driven by a passion for storytelling.
Final Thoughts
What started as a casual experiment turned into one of Dubai’s most exciting creative platforms, all created by one engineer turned creative producer. Ubong Udoessien’s story shows how embracing curiosity and using your unique skills can lead to unexpected, amazing achievements.
And as he moves forward, the creative world is watching, ready to see how far one person can go when they build not just a podcast but a platform for stories that deserve to be heard.
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