Yalla! Let's Talk.

Join me and the hilarious Dave Merheje in this episode of Yalla! Let's Talk, where we dive into how the show 'Ramy' is still breaking stereotypes, what a second Trump presidency could mean for Arabs and Muslims, and the personal journey that led Dave to convert. (0:00 Intro (2:25) Dave's Journey in Acting and Stand-up (5:50) The show 'Ramy', relatability, & breaking stereotypes (13:13) Taboos: marrying a second wife, cheating, and romance with cousin (25:17) Trump President Again & What it Means to Arabs and Muslims (35:00) Why Dave converted to Islam and how did the conversation go with family? (44:27) Conclusion

For the very first time, Bisan sits down for a podcast to share what is really happening on the ground in Gaza. We talk about Israel's plan to "take over" Gaza, the journalists that have been killed, and the resilience of a civilization that existed in the world for more than 6000 years in Gaza. Her message to the world is simple: Freedom for Palestinians and all the oppressed people in the world. As she puts it: "Time in Gaza is not measured by days....it's measured by blood".

This episode is about music — but also about something deeper: identity, belonging, and being seen. I sat down with Danny Hajjar, a brilliant music journalist and the Editor-in-Chief of Rolling Stone MENA, who’s been amplifying the voices of Arab artists across the Middle East, North Africa, and the global diaspora. He’s written for The New York Times, Rolling Stone, and GQ Middle East, and is the co-host the Shik Shak Shook Ones podcast on the Afikra network. We talk about the rise of Arabic music, what it really means to represent a culture, and why sometimes, telling your story is the most powerful thing you can do.00:00 Intro 01:43 Danny Hajjar’s Hot Takes: Speed Round 07:55 How to Get a Music Journalist’s Attention 10:18 Why Now Is the Moment for Arabic Music 22:03 Arabic Music: What’s Working vs What’s Not 25:40 Mohamed Ramadan, Coachella, and Using Your Platform to Speak Up 33:30 When Identity Becomes the Story: Is That Enough? 35:45 Star Academy, Arabic Dialects, and Remembering Massari 45:43 Underrated Arabic Artists You Need to Hear 🎧 49:25 Advice for Artists

I sat down with journalist Samira Mohyeddin to talk about how Western media straight-up lies — not just about Iran, but about the entire Middle East, from Palestine to Iraq. We get into the "playbook": how narratives are crafted, who benefits, and why “freedom” is only allowed when it fits their agenda. From Zionist Iranians to foreign interference, Samira breaks down why true liberation for Iranians won’t come from the West — it has to come from within.****Our guest today***Samira Mohyeddin is an award-winning Iranian-Canadian journalist, radio producer, and one of the most fearless voices challenging mainstream narratives on the Middle East. Samira is also the founder of On The Line Media,.

What does it mean to find your voice — and use it to create change?In today’s episode of Yalla! Let’s Talk., I sit down with Tunisian artist EMEL, a singer, songwriter, and storyteller whose music has inspired people across the world. From her breakout anthem “Kelmti Horra” — once banned, now a symbol of hope — to her powerful new album MRA, EMEL shares her journey of turning pain into purpose.We talk about what freedom really means, how music can be a form of healing, and what it looks like to embrace feminism in an authentic way. With stories from her performances across over 25 countries — EMEL reminds us that art can connect us, empower us, and help us feel seen.This is a conversation about growth, creativity, and standing in your truth — even when the world tells you not to.BREAKDOWN0:00 Intro0:53 The Song That Sparked a Revolution – “Kelmti Horra” & the Arab Spring8:20 What It’s Like Growing Up Under a Dictatorship (Tunisia Unfiltered)12:37 EMEL Performs “Kelmti Horra” Live + What the Lyrics Really Mean17:54 Her Childhood, Her Father, and the Fire to Fight Oppression20:43 Balancing Motherhood & Music – Advice for Working Moms27:09 How EMEL Makes Music That Heals and Protests at the Same Time31:38 Feminism & Power – Why She Chose an All-Female Creative Team42:42 HOLM, Al Rawabi & The Powerful Message EMEL Has for Young Girls58:27 Rapid Games!

Bestselling author Najwa Zebian joins me to share her wisdom on healing and how to get over someone you STILL can't get over.In this episode, we tackle some of the most common yet confusing questions that come up when you’re trying to move on from someone — or even just figure out where you stand. Is it okay to still miss someone from your past? Should you text your ex, or is that just a bad idea? What happens when you find yourself stuck, missing someone you never really dated in the first place? We’ll also dive into the tricky territory of dating before you’re completely over someone, and when exactly it’s the right time to talk about exes with someone new. BREAKDOWN (0:00) Intro (2:30) Is it okay to miss someone from the past? (5:18) Should I text my ex? (10:48) Miss them from far away(18:35) How to get over someone you never really dated? (32:04) Is it okay to date again if you're not over someone? (39:36) when is it a good time for someone to talk about exes?Melodies and Mindsets with Najwa Zebian (47:11) Cry For Me by the Weeknd(57:21) Old Body, New Mind by Nemahsis (59:14) Grief - Healing words by Najwa Zebian(1:09:06) Free Me by Anees (1:12:58) Conclusion: listen to this if you're still missing them.

Thank you to Habibi Squad and Asala Dabke for joining us today in our Ramadan special. Whether you are Muslim or not, this episode can give you a better understanding of what Ramadan means to Muslims . The episode also goes deep into the best practices of how to make the best use of your time in Ramadan, community, and even fitness. ‪ @HabibiSquadOfficial   @AsalaDabke  (00:00) Intro(00:40) Cutting Bad Habits, the Vibes, Giving Back, & ESSENTIAL Reminders(10:00) What to do when you're struggling with your faith?(20:18) How to make the best use of your Ramadan(26:45) Ramadan & Fitness(31:12) Should I break my fast if I have an exam?(37:30) Best Advice from Sheikh Wasef

In this episode, Ghassan, Halazon one of Canada's top CEOs, shares his journey of building a successful startup, from tough lessons learned to navigating the world of valuations and exits. Get expert advice on attracting investors, raising capital, and negotiating in the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship.About Ghassan Halazon—a powerhouse entrepreneur who quit a Wall Street job at just 25 to chase his dreams of scaling a portfolio of coveted digital brands. Fast forward 15 years, and Ghassan has built, acquired or sold a dozen e-commerce companies that have driven cumulative sales approaching $1 billion from market-leading brand. Ghassan's journey is all about resilience and redefining success. Ghassan is also the proud honoree of Canada’s 40 Under 40.Episode Breakdown(00:00) Intro(03:00) Ghassan's History with Dragon's Den(05:44) How did one of Canada's top CEOs start his company?(10:25) Hard lessons learned from building a startup. (14:40) When and how to Exit/Sell Your Startup? (17:15) The truth about the valuation of your startup (19:45) Whether I should get an investor and build, or exit/sell my startup? (24:00) How do you even get an investor? (28:45) Best advice you'll hear on negotiations when it comes to capital raising(31:42) Community, support, and how change will come? (40:00) ConclusionLearn more about Ghassan: https://www.ghassanhalazon.com/Linkedin: Ghassan Halazon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ghassan-halazon/Instagram: instajee @ghalazon 

Nemahsis talks to Saint Levant on Yalla! Let's Talk. Episode Breakdown(00:00) Intro(9:33) The beginning of their musical journeys & and what inspires these artists(16:43) Let's talk about the fans(29:21) Let's talk about the dream(36:14) Arab men and therapy(41:30) Saint Levant, Grow Home, and Yalla! Let's Talk.(44:28) Why feminism is an Arab man's issue(49:47) Hot Takes(53:28) Outro @Nemahsis  @SaintLevantOfficial A special thank you to East Tea Can for the space, the food, and the hospitality. Check them out -- https://eastteacan.com

In this episode, we sit down with the multi-talented artist, NARCY, for an in-depth conversation about the music industry today.He shares his insights on the evolution of Arabic Hip Hop, the impact of cultural decolonization in music, and drops some solid advice for up-and-coming artists.NARCY is a groundbreaking Arabic Hip Hop artist known for his unique style and thought-provoking lyrics. He’s redefining the genre and inspiring the next generation of musicians with his innovative approach to music.(00:00) Intro(01:45) History of Arabic Hip Hop(9:40) Breaking Cultural Barriers(11:55) Arab Artists: The Best Advice You’ll Hear Today(17:10) Artist or Activist? Can You Be Both?(26:10) From Drake to "Arab Money": The Influence of Arab-ism in Hip-Hop(32:00) To Be An Arab: Anti-Exploitation, Identity, AI, and the Analog Revolution in NARCY's MusicSpecial thanks to East Tea Can for the amazing hospitality! Check them out athttps://eastteacan.comYOU CAN LEARN MORE ABOUT NARCY Instagram: @narcynarceYoutube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJVyZKc6xDAGWHCyeDv1AeQYOU CAN FIND US: INSTAGRAM: @yallaletstalk TIKTOK: @yallaletstalk LISTEN TO YALLA! LET'S TALK.SPOTIFY:https://open.spotify.com/show/3ymbJTX...APPLE PODCASTS:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...ANGHAMI:https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1034...

In this special series at East Tea Can, comedian Hassan Phills talks about how stand-up comedy helped him grow and connect with people. He also explains how he made a space for the Muslim community by listening to fans who wanted to see his shows but didn’t feel comfortable at bars. Hassan shares the important skills he’s learned through comedy—like how to understand a crowd and get better at what you do—and shows how comedy can help everyone connect, adapt, and grow.(00:00) Introduction(01:20) How Hassan Phills Got Into Stand up?(05:18) How do you get better at your art and GROW as a creative?(20:30) Let’s talk about labels in the industry (i.e. Muslim Comedian or Toronto Comedian?) and the dream(24:00) Identifying a Market Gap: Meeting the Needs of the Muslim Community and Fans(31:00) How to win over an audience?(35:00) ConclusionYou can learn more about Hassan Phills @hassanphills Special thanks to East Tea Can for the amazing hospitality! Check them out at https://eastteacan.com

Thank you to habibi squad for the laughs and sharing with us some questions everyone is dying to know. They are real ones, make sure you subscribe to them!  @HabibiSquadOfficial  Yalla! Let's Talk. (0:00) Intro (1:44) One word Interview with Habibi Squad (17:51) Yalla! Let's Talk with Habibi Squad (41:30) If you can send one message to the audience, what would it be? YOU CAN FIND US: INSTAGRAM: @yallaletstalk TIKTOK: @yallaletstalk LISTEN TO YALLA! LET'S TALK. SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/3ymbJTX... APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... ANGHAMI: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1034...

In this episode, I talk with one of the Middle East's most inspiring entrepreneurs and talent managers -- Omar Hmaidat. Omar manages the largest creators in MENA and has created one of the the fastest growing talent agency in the world. Most recently, Omar was named as Forbe's Middle East's Top 10 Talent Managers Making Movers, as well as Billboard's top 40 under 40. At the same time, Omar is still a content creator and has grown quite a loyal following over the past years. In this episode, Omar shares the lessons he's learned throughout working with content creators and artists in the MENA region. Though this advice is in the context of creatives in the region, I am sure you will learn In this episode, you will learn: - Omar's story and how he ended up in talent management; - What is talent management and what should you expect; - Why creative content is important in anything you do; - How to be flexible in an ever changing industry; - How authenticity always wins; - What support looks like as a creative, from therapy to parents

In this episode, I talk with one of the most influential online voices in Jordan, Deya Elayyan. Deya is not your typical influencer - he studied engineering in the US before moving to Jordan, as well as he uses his platform to shed light on issues relevant to those who live in the region. Today, he shares his perspective on education, the title "influencer", as well as his experience visiting Gaza. In this episode, we talk about the following: (00:00) Intro(03:48) Let's talk about the importance of education(16:02) Do you actually have freedom?(18:55) How can you help Palestinians?(31:35) What I saw when I went to Gaza...(41:39) ConclusionThis episode was shot at Wild Jordan Centre in Jordan. You can check it out https://wildjordancenter.com/Production and Sound in Jordan: Latif Fityani and Mohammad Al Banna. You can find Latif on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latiffityan... and Mohammad at / m_albannaa YOU CAN LEARN MORE ABOUT DEYA ELAYYAN:YOUTUBE:  @deyaelayyan-  INSTARAM: https://www.instagram.com/deyaelayyanYOU CAN FIND US: INSTAGRAM: @yallaletstalk TIKTOK: @yallaletstalk LISTEN TO YALLA! LET'S TALK.SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/3ymbJTX...APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...ANGHAMI: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1034...

Did you know Arabic Music is the fastest growing music industry in the world? Joining us today is music producer (and legend, might I add) in Amman, Jordan – Nasir AlBashir. Nasir breaks down what the music industry looks like right now in the MENA region and diaspora, the challenges (and opportunities) for upcoming artists, and some of the best kept secrets for artists to make it big in the industry. We also discuss the song Rajieen where various artists came together to show how music can be a form of resistance. (0:00) Intro (1:19) Journey (4:40) Building Arabic Music on New Set of Rules(13:24) Breaking Down the Arabic Music Industry (22:30) Best Kept Secrets for Upcoming Artists(25:24) Music as a form of resistance - Rajieen (53:50) ConclusionYOU CAN LEARN MORE ABOUT Nasir AlBashirINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/vibewithnassir/?hl=enYOU CAN FIND US: INSTAGRAM: @yallaletstalk TIKTOK: @yallaletstalk LISTEN TO YALLA! LET'S TALK.SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/3ymbJTX...APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...ANGHAMI: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1034...#arab #yallaletstalk #jordan

A conversation with Jordanian actress, model, and filmmaker Joanna Arida about representation, fame after the Netflix show "Al-Rawabi School for Girls", and mental health. What We Discuss: (0:00) Intro (01:35) How do you find motivation to try different things? (05:15) Why is representation so important for Joanna?(17:05) Al-Rawabi School for Girls(23:31) Joanna gets real about anxiety & mental health(32:42) Let's talk about mental health in Jordan(37:50) TakeawaysThis episode was shot at Wild Jordan Centre in Jordan. You can check it out https://wildjordancenter.com/YOU CAN LEARN MORE ABOUT JOANNA ARIDA:WEBSITE: https://joannaarida.com/INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/joannaarida/?hl=enYOU CAN FIND US: INSTAGRAM: @yallaletstalk .TIKTOK: @yallaletstalkLISTEN TO YALLA! LET'S TALK.SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/3ymbJTX...APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...ANGHAMI: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1034...#arab #yallaletstalk #jordan

Today, I sit down with the insanely talented Nai Barghouti – a Palestinian singer, composer, and flutist who's been compared to legends like Fairouz and Umm Kulthoum. She's not just about music; she’s about making a statement. In this episode, we dive into her journey, her passion for blending music and advocating for Palestine, and what it’s like to represent Palestinian heritage on the global stage. Oh, and we talk about her collab with EDM superstar Skrillex on the hit track “Xena.”Nai even gives us a special live performance of her song “Mum, Sing to the Wind” – and shares the biggest challenges she’s facing right now. This is one you don't want to miss! In this episode, we talk about: (0:00:00) Get to know Nai Barghouti! (0:08:01) Why Nai chose to pursue music? (0:14:24) Lebanon and Fairuz (00:19:00) Do music and politics go hand in hand? (0:25:45) Nai's Music and Sound (0:37:10) The challenges for women & Arab musicians (0:43:38) Skrillex, XENA, and Palestinian Folkore (0:51:18): Nai SINGS and Tells us about the song "Mum, Sing to the Wind (يما مويل الهوا)" (0:56:18) Nai's biggest challenge right now Follow Nai Barghouti Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naibarghoutiofficial/?hl=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ @naibarghouti  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/78XHgIjAv0tqb9hVRUsifgWe thank you Marsm.ca (Canada) for supporting this episode and helping amplify all kinds of Arabic music.

In this episode, I sit down with Palestinian artist Lina Makoul to talk about life in occupied Palestine, the story behind her powerful song "On Mute," and what it means to be a '48 Palestinian.' Plus, an exclusive live performance and her bold vision for using music to elevate the Palestinian narrative worldwide. In this episode, we talk about the following: (00:00): Intro (1:25) What is it like to be Palestinian living in occupied Palestine (now known as northern state of Israel)? (04:35) Who are "48' Palestinian"? (09:40) Lina's Art: "on mute". Breaks down the song, the inspiration, and the music video. (14:48) "on mute": a live performance (16:15) What does this Palestinian artist want to achieve with here music? Special thanks to Marsm.ca for supporting this episode and helping amplify all kinds of Arabic music.

"If you really want to know people, you start by looking inside their bedroom". Today, I talk to journalist and author, Shereen El Feki on what goes behind closed doors in the Arab world. We are diving into sensitive topics, such as the sexual evolution in the region, sex in Islam, and the experiences of coming out as queer vs. staying in the closet. Join us for an eye-opening discussion that sheds light on what's really happening in the region.Shereen El Feki is an Egyptian-British journalist and author, most notable for her book Sex and the Citadel: Intimate Life in a Changing Arab World. Shereen started her career in medical science, with a PhD in immunology from Trinity College, Cambridge, before going on to become a healthcare correspondent with The Economist and a presenter with Al Jazeera English. She is the former vice-chair of the UN’s Global Commission on HIV and the Law, as well as a TED global fellow.Note: This episode is not suitable for minors. Viewers discretion is advised. In this episode, we talk about the following: (1:47) Why is sex a powerful lens to see the world? (9:36) HIV in the Middle East and North Africa (19:36) What does sex in the Arab World look like?(23:20) Honour Killings & Patriarchy (31:33) a sexual revolution? No. It's sexual evolution. (33:36) LGBQT+ in the Arab World(41:04) is there harm to living a life of secrecy and privacy? (43:39) The role of NGOs in the region(46:05 ) Sex in Islam? (49:00) How did the Arab world become so conservative?

Get ready to vibe with Shkoon! With the duo themselves, we’re breaking down their coolest tracks, what inspired them, and the meaning behind the music. Tune in for a deep dive into the sounds and stories that make Shkoon so special. Special shoutout to Marsm.ca for their support with this episode.