Amelie Abass

Though I’ve long been active in political campaigns and involved in my party, it wasn’t until recently that I discovered how much I enjoy interviewing people and sharing their stories. This realisation led me into podcasting — a space where I feel energised and truly myself. I’ve already had the chance to conduct interviews that caught the attention of Mark, who kindly encouraged me to take the next step and has helped me shape my public profile (even while I’m on a social media detox!). You can find my work soon on platforms like SoundCloud, Spotify, and LinkedIn.

Watch my interview here.

In one of our early creative sessions, Mark and I imagined an exciting future together — starting with the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. I’ve always loved bold, modern architecture, and we used that as a launchpad to dream up a fictional research fellowship funded by a Dubai-based family foundation. The idea? I'd spend a year developing a global league table tracking youth engagement in politics and culture. The scope of the project would be massive — including a TED Talk, a book deal, a TV series, and a university lecture tour. We agreed the journey could begin right here in the UK, gathering insight from young people already leading change.

In our imagined downtime, I visualised flying first class back to the UK, greeted with a cold beer and a personal note from the foundation. Jazz music — the old-school kind I love — would be playing. I’d be welcomed by a group of young activists and settle into a loft apartment in Covent Garden. That night, we’d go out for dinner (I’d choose something fusion and global), followed by a dance performance. I’m a huge fan of Michael Jackson's choreography, so that’s what I’d want to see first.

Travel plays a big role in my dreams. I love New York — the energy, the diversity, and the way it feels alive at all hours. I’m especially into watching short-distance sprinting, and Mark and I imagined being in a packed stadium for the 100m Olympic final, then heading out for a celebratory drink. We also talked about Rome — not the touristy version, but a futuristic art gallery where you wear VR glasses and experience the world through immersive design.

Art inspires me deeply. Andy Warhol is a personal favourite — I’d love to walk through his world in 3D. For a culture-filled week, I’d plan to attend a historical pop concert (Aretha Franklin tops the list), a chaotic and comic play (the kind where everything goes wrong), Wicked in the West End, a Mozart opera, and a relaxed film night with Sliding Doors — a film I admire for the way it explores life's alternate paths.

Recently, Mark introduced me to Memento — I hadn’t seen it, but I’m fascinated by its reversed storytelling and the challenge it poses to the audience. It led to a playful idea: a research lunch with any historical or fictional figure. I chose to imagine my one-year-old son grown up, sitting beside Peppa Pig — because if you’re going to imagine your future, why not include some joy and chaos?

My story is still being written, but it’s driven by curiosity, a love of people, and a desire to make sense of the world through stories. I’m looking forward to exploring where my voice fits in media, and how I can amplify others’ in the process.