TMR

Altered state: Making it through the storm

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 11 Jul 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Dolores Shelleh was the first Jordanian woman to summit Mount Everest in 2019, a year which marked many deadly expeditions. In an interview recorded from Serbia, Dolores talks about the tragedy she witnessed on the mountain and her struggle to readjust to the mundane routine and daily grind, post-adventure.

High Altitude: How Skydiving Can Teach You to Face Your Fears

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 04 Jul 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Nicole Smith Ludvik is a professional skydiver, stuntwoman, yoga instructor, social media influencer and emerging motivational speaker. She explains how she ended up on top of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai as the star of an Emirates airline campaign that went viral, talks about her brush with death following a car accident and how skydiving saved her life.

Why being first is the ultimate win

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 27 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Nabs Al Busaidi was the first Arab to row 4,600 km across the Atlantic and the first Arab to walk 650 km to the magnetic North Pole. He talks about an encounter with a polar bear, being racially profiled while traveling and a debilitating injury for which he sought stem cell treatment in the US. He also shares tips for overcoming self-doubt.

The Power of Sharks: Why you should love them and swim vertically

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 20 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Nouf Al Oseimi is the Saudi Founder of Red Sea Citizens Dive Club and a scuba diving instructor. She shares her tips for avoiding shark attacks, explains why she started a movement for Saudi women divers, how life feels under the sea and why humans are doomed if the oceans die.

A Record Breaking Journey to the Highest Peaks on Earth

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Saeed Al Memari talks from a basecamp in Costa Rica about his ongoing “Peak for Peace’ expedition, a mission to climb the highest peak in all 246 countries backed by the sponsorship of the Crown Prince of Fujairah in the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi. Al Memari was the first UAE national to climb to the summit of Mount Everest back in 2011. He was also the first Arab to complete the 'Explorer Grand Slam', which involves conquering the highest mountain on each of the seven continents and reaching the North and South Pole.

Saudi Rally Queen: Mashael Al-Obaidan's Off-Road Adventures

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 06 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Mashael Al-Obaidan is a Saudi rally driver who finished in the top 20 in the 2022 Dakar Rally from Ha'il to Jeddah. She describes the feeling of driving through desert sand dunes, dispels common myths about Saudi women and talks about swimming with whale sharks in Saudi’s untouched Red Sea.

UAE’s Ultra-Athlete Amin Maalouf’s Extreme Adventure Life Hacks

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 30 May 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Amin Maaloof is a Dubai-based athlete who completed the Jungle Ultra race, one of the toughest ultramarathons. He recounts his grueling experience running for five days in the Amazon rainforest in Peru, the anaconda that almost got in the way and how he came out with a stronger mindset. The former ‘The Astronauts’ contestant also shares tips for breaking cycles of negativity and reveals how he cools off in a freezer.

From Saudi Arabia’s First Women’s Dance Studio to K2

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 23 May 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Nelly Attar is the founder of Move, Saudi Arabia’s first dance studio. She has climbed 14 mountains, including Everest and competed in two IronMan races and six global marathons and ultramarathons. She is also a personal trainer and was named Female Fitness Influencer of the Year in the MENA. She weighs in on how Saudi Arabia has gone from being the least active country in the world to becoming a hub for sports and fitness, how governments can take an active role in encouraging a healthy lifestyle, the body positivity movement and her diet regimen.

A Life-altering Mountain Experience

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 16 May 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Rami Rasamny is the co-founder of Life Happens Outdoors, an adventure travel community. He explains how outdoor adventure saved him from a dark mental state and unhealthy lifestyle. He talks about some of the most incredible places on Earth where LHO has taken people and how nature can improve human health and banish personal demons.

Mountaineer Tima Deryan Rocks the Arab World

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 09 May 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Tima Deryan is a mountaineer, aspiring astronaut and the founder of Feministiya, an apparel brand that promotes gender equality in the Arab world. She is the first Lebanese woman to have climbed Mount Everest. We learn about her perilous mountain adventures, meeting Scott Kelly on ‘The Astronauts’ and why a local supplier once suggested feminists should be ‘slapped with a slipper’.

U.S. Facing Challenges Over Israel-Palestine Policy

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 28 Jun 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Zaha Hassan is a human rights lawyer and co-author of 'Breaking the Israel-Palestine Status Quo' at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, a think tank in Washington, DC. She talks about shifting US policy towards prioritizing human rights, the trend towards support for Palestine among the population and the ongoing evictions in Sheikh Jarrah in Palestine.

VoIP and Tech Bans in the Middle East

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Damian Radcliffe is a journalist and a Professor in Journalism at the University of Oregon. He is also a regular contributor to major media outlets such as the BBC, Huffington Post and ZDNet. He talks about social media and VoIP bans in the Middle East, the development of proprietary apps, TikTok, and Israel's bombing of the media tower in Gaza.

Fact or fiction: the Dystopian Future of ‘Alephia 2053’

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Rabih Sweidan is the creator and executive producer of award-winning animated film ‘Alephia 2053’. He talks about this dystopian vision of the future set in an fictitious Arab city and producing the film in Beirut.

A Nostalgic Reality Check with the Confused Arab

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 31 May 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Sofiane Si Merabet is an Algerian-French creative known for his platform, The Confused Arab. He talks about false nostalgia, the future of Arab culture and how the Arab world should leverage its talent while letting go of destructive social phenomenons, including racism.

The Disruptors (Ep.3): Sofia Guellaty's Narrative Changing Mille World

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 17 May 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Sofia Guellaty is the founder and editor-in-chief of MilleWorld.com, a platform that highlights the latest in fashion, culture, beauty and travel from the boundary-breaking Arab youth culture. She talks about the media's ongoing practice of hiring Western editors and her own platform's commitment to working with Arab writers and directors. She addresses mental health relative to regulating social media through disclaimers and discusses stereotypes and the rebranding of Arab culture for global consumption. This includes producing localised content for luxury brands, like a recent Ramadan series of short films with Gucci, inspired by 'musalsalat', Arab soap operas similar in style to Hispanic telenovelas.

The Disruptors (Ep. 2): Joe Arida's Creative Message in a Mad World

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 10 May 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Joe Arida is a Beirut-based multidisciplinary designer, art director and editorial stylist and the founder of fashion brand La Terre est Folle and a new furniture brand, Unintentional Functional Objects. A self-described humanitarian, he talks about sexual taboos and diversity in the Middle East, the shift in consumer behavior when it comes to fashion, the uselessness of stereotypes and the possibility of extraterrestrial-life.

The Disruptors (Ep.1): Nafsika Skourti's Boundary Breaking Couture

info@hakawati.fm — Wed, 05 May 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Designer Nafsika Skourti is shattering stereotypes in the Middle East with her label. She talks about the challenges of operating out of Jordan and the true meaning of 'sustainable' fashion in a region that's still developing.

Dana Al Fardan is Bringing Rumi Back to the Middle East

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 26 Apr 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Dana Al Fardan is Qatar's first internationally renowned female singer-songwriter. She talks about her upcoming projects including a musical based on Rumi, the best selling poet in the US. She explains the importance of reclaiming the lessons of Rumi in our daily lives and how telling his story can help the Middle East reclaim and export its culture.

From Cash to Cashless: The Middle East's Turbo Paradigm Shift

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 19 Apr 2021 00:00:00 -0400

David Parker is a specialist in International Investment Promotion. He has spent the last five years working with Bahrain’s Economic Development Board, helping the small Arab country work towards its Economic Vision 2030 goals. He explains how the region is shifting towards being a cashless society at warp speed. He talks about the benefits of digital data and identities but also its pitfalls, including when it comes to building long-term business partnerships.

China, Iran and How the Abraham Accords Will Transform the Middle East

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 12 Apr 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Angus Blair is a a professor of practice at the University of Cairo and an expert in corporate governance and ESG investing. He explains how the Abraham Accords could help speed up the Middle East's development as it faces the threats of water shortages and climate change. He talks about why the Palestinian leadership needs to become more sophisticated and he expresses his ideas on why Lebanon's government won't move forward to save the country from collapse.

Bill Gates conspiracy theories and why tax havens need to go with Hassan Damluji

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Hassan Damluji is Deputy Director of Global Policy & Advocacy at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and author of 'The Responsible Globalist.' He explains how the foundation's $1.75 billion investment so far is being deployed to fight COVID-19 and the importance of funding the development of vaccines in advance to prepare for the next pandemic. He talks about his book, how 'globalism' has gotten a bad rap and proposes solutions for uniting countries to face humanity's biggest challenges, including immigration.

Fatima Al-Banawi: Trailblazing in Saudi Arabia’s Film Industry

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 29 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Fatima Al-Banawi is a Saudi Arabian filmmaker and actress who came into the limelight after starring in the Saudi film 'Barakah Meets Barakah', a romantic comedy that was released in Germany in 2016 before cinemas were allowed in Saudi Arabia. She talks about her country's untold stories and presenting a narrative other than the one that's portrayed in the media. She reveals her latest projects, including two feature films set to be released in Saudi Arabia in 2021. The more a story is personal, the more it's universal...

From Beirut to Times Square: Anghami's True Story

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 22 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Elie Habib is the co-founder of Anghami, the music streaming platform that became the first Arab tech company ever to be listed on the NASDAQ. Fresh off the IPO, he reflects on a journey that started in 2012, when the small Lebanese startup started building a catalogue by uploading CDs to its platform. He talks about the symbiotic relationship with his co-founder Eddy Maroun, the books that inspire him as a leader, the company's plans to leverage 'audio influencers' and growing ambitions for the next three years.

Wade Davis explains why we should all be entrepreneurs of knowledge

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 08 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0500

Wade Davis is a Canadian anthropologist, author and explorer. He talks about 'The Unravelling of America', an essay he wrote for Rolling Stone that got over five million views, how his PhD thesis on the zombie culture in Haiti became a Hollywood movie and his latest book Magdalena: River of Dreams, centered around Colombia's most important waterway.. He draws parallels between Middle East countries and South America and the lessons that can be drawn from Columbia's renaissance. He comments on the importance of modern medicine and how psychoactive plants can raise human consciousness.

How Farah Nabulsi directed Oscar-shortlisted 'The Present' in occupied Palestine

info@hakawati.fm — Sun, 28 Feb 2021 00:00:00 -0500

Farah Nabulsi is a Palestinian British filmmaker and human rights advocate. She talks about directing a scene at the infamous Bethlehem Checkpoint 300 and working with Palestinian actor Saleh Bakri. She explains why she makes films meant to raise the global social conscience and why most people don't really know or understand what's really been going on in Palestine. She also comments on the International Criminal Court's (ICC) recent decision on its jurisdiction to investigate Israel for alleged war crimes and what that might mean for Israeli officials.

Bitcoin Secrets from Bahrain with a Fintech Insider

info@hakawati.fm — Sun, 21 Feb 2021 00:00:00 -0500

Fawaz Shakralla is the Head of IT at the Bahrain Institute for Political Development (BIPD) and an expert on blockchain for telecom, banking, infrastructure and ERP project management. He weighs in on the current Bitcoin hype, the effect of day traders and explains the difference between publicly traded crypto vs. blockchain for infrastructure and crypto asset opportunities. He talks about Binance's new payment card and how cryptocurrency will become just "another payment method."

Your Essential Guide to the Covid Vaccines

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 08 Feb 2021 00:00:00 -0500

Dr. Souha Kanj is a specialist in infectious diseases at the American University of Beirut Medical Center. She explains the differences between different types of vaccines coming on the market, Russia's Sputnik vaccine, the effect of COVID-19 on fertility and the pitfalls of uneven global vaccination. She weighs in on fake vaccines and predicts that the anti-viral Ivermectin will soon make headlines. She comments on new air travel regulations, the possibility of injecting GPS nanoparticles in vaccines and Switzerland's holding back on its vaccination campaign.

Why global tech investors are betting on the Middle East and its neighbors

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 01 Feb 2021 00:00:00 -0500

Philip Bahoshy is the Founder and CEO of Magnitt, a Dubai-based platform focused on tracking and enabling emerging venture markets including the MENA, Pakistan and Turkey. He shares highlights from their annual 2020 report, including the rise of fintech and why Saudi Arabia was among the only countries to see an increase in investments. He explains how COVID affected regional startups and investments and delivers his a bullish predictions for 2021.

Beirut Through the Eyes of a London Investment Banker and Hotelier

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 18 Jan 2021 00:00:00 -0500

Nabil Debs is the founder of Plutus Capital Advisory in London. He’s also behind Arthaus, a collection of experiential hotels around the world. He talks about restoring his family's 19th century estate in Beirut, war tourism, his exclusive concierge service that includes setting up private appointments with designers and why the city is a sexy destination. He also provides his take on the current financial crisis in Lebanon and how he thinks it should be resolved.

The American Empire Has Hit Rock Bottom, Says Rania Khalek

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 11 Jan 2021 00:00:00 -0500

Rania Khalek is a journalist and contributor to 'In the Now', a US-based social media platform that has been accused of having ties to Russia but has since taken steps to disprove this. She talks about Joe Biden, the pitfalls of state-sponsored media, the US's state-collapsing policies in the Middle East and why she can no longer afford cheese in Beirut.

Science Fiction And Islam: The Secret to a Better World?

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 04 Jan 2021 00:00:00 -0500

Jörg Matthias Determann is an associate professor of history at VCU in Qatar and the author of the new book 'Islam, Science Fiction and Extraterrestrial Life'. He talks about the history of the genre in the Middle East, the connection between religion and science and how science fiction can inspire the next generation of scientists.

Sukkari Life's Saudi Blogger on Becoming a YouTuber

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 28 Dec 2020 00:00:00 -0500

Raoum Bani is a Saudi chef and yoga instructor in Riyadh who promotes a plant-based diet. She talks about being an influencer in the Islamic kingdom and her journey from blogger to successful YouTuber. We discuss the power that content has over our lifestyle and how to find your own authentic voice on social media.

Soraya Chemaly Says We Need A Feminist Group Focused on Men

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 21 Dec 2020 00:00:00 -0500

Soraya Chemaly is an award-winning writer and activist whose work focuses on the role of gender in culture, politics, religion, and media. She explains why we need to change ideas of gender that are ingrained in early childhood in order to disrupt the fundamental inequalities that exist in governments and business leadership. She also suggests that the Arab world needs a feminist organization that would create a network of male accomplices.

Qusai on Why Arab Hip Hop Can Go Global

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 14 Dec 2020 00:00:00 -0500

Qusai AKA Don Legend is a Saudi American hip hop artist, record producer, rapper and actor. He talks about his journey as a musical trailblazer and explains why he thinks Arab Hip Hop can make it on international music charts. He also explains how he's connected with corporate brands and shares details on upcoming music and acting roles.

Why Podcasting is the Way to Your Heart and Mind

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 30 Nov 2020 00:00:00 -0500

Tariq Elmeri is a documentary filmmaker and the host of the Da Miri podcast. He talks about social media fatigue, the demand for more in-depth content and the insightful conversations he has on his show. He explains the value of finding a niche audience and the opportunity this provides for think tanks and advertisers to accurately reach their target markets. Listen to the Da Miri podcast here: https://damiripodcast.buzzsprout.com

James Zogby on How Joe Biden Might Change the Middle East

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 23 Nov 2020 00:00:00 -0500

Dr. James Zogby is the founder and president of the Arab American Institute, a Washington, D.C.-based organization. He talks about how a new Democrat administration in the US might affect security in the Middle East, the prospect of trade between old rivals and the best solution for the Palestinian cause. You can find James Zogby on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jjz1600

Hadley Gamble on Hezbollah, Saudi Arabia and the US Election

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 16 Nov 2020 00:00:00 -0500

Hadley Gamble is the host of Capital Connection on CNBC in Abu Dhabi. She talks about how a new Biden administration might impact the region economically, covering the Jamal Khashoggi murder and her brutal interview with Lebanon's former Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil at Davos, which went viral.

The MENA Tech Revolution: Sharif El-Badawi's Gambit

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 09 Nov 2020 00:00:00 -0500

Sharif El-Badawi is a founding Managing Partner of Plus Venture Capital, a $60 million VC fund that's been launched with a target of 120 investments over the next three years. The former managing partner of Falcon 500 talks about their unusual investment strategy, the specifics of the selection process and why he left Silicon Valley for the Middle East. He also explains how investment into the tech industry will transform the region for the better.

How Hatem Alakeel is Elevating Saudi’s Emerging Talent

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 02 Nov 2020 00:00:00 -0500

Hatem Alakeel is a Saudi designer and the founder of Authenticité, a platform he created to bridge Saudi talent with the rest of the world. As the country shifts away from being dependent on oil and works towards Vision 2030, the market is attracting foreign investors. He talks about how the kingdom has evolved since launching his thobes brand Toby in 2007 and explains how he aims to elevate Arab culture and provide authentic channels for brands seeking to penetrate the market.

Sex, Takeout and Sheesha with Sarah Bahbah

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 26 Oct 2020 00:00:00 -0400

Sarah Bahbah is an artist and photographer of Palestinian descent who has amassed almost a million followers on Instagram. She talks about posing in her latest series entitled '3eib!' (shame in Arabic), sexual taboos and how she bypassed traditional channels like museums and galleries using social media to grow her collector base. MySay link: https://hakawati.fm/mysay

Unleash Your PR Power Now

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 19 Oct 2020 00:00:00 -0400

Zeina El Dana is the founder and CEO of Z7 Communications in Dubai, one of the Middle East's most powerful lifestyle PR firms. She explains how luxury brands are staying relevant, emphasizes the growing need to invest in innovative digital events and reveals the fundamentals for building your own brand story on a shoestring budget. MySay link: https://hakawati.fm/mysay

GQ's Adam Baidawi Says Subculture Is Reshaping the Middle East

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 12 Oct 2020 00:00:00 -0400

Adam Baidawi is the Editor-in-Chief at GQ Middle East. He talks about why GQ is no longer just for men, why more young Arabs should join the media industry and how connecting with subculture in the region is key to the magazine's success. He gives tips on networking as a writer or creative. MySay link: https://hakawati.fm/mysay

The Carl Gerges Experience: Tales of a Lebanese Rock Star

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 05 Oct 2020 00:00:00 -0400

Carl Gerges is the drummer of Lebanese band Mashrou' Leila and also the founder of his newly launched architecture studio. On the heels of the 'l Love Beirut' fundraising concert with UK artist Mika that has already raised over 1 million Euros, he talks about being censored by authoritarian regimes, the balancing effect of yoga and his work as an architect which has been featured in AD Middle East. MySay link: https://hakawati.fm/mysay

The Arab Who Built an Empire on Beer

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 28 Sep 2020 00:00:00 -0400

Mazen Hajjar is the CEO of Hawkers, a craft beer brand based in Australia. He talks about establishing 961 beer in Lebanon in 2006, the brew‘s ancient history in the Middle East, the important scientific and technological breakthroughs the industry has sparked and why you should never drink beer from a bottle. MySay link: https://hakawati.fm/mysay

The Resurrection of Fetchr

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 21 Sep 2020 00:00:00 -0400

Hussein Wehbe is the new CEO of Fetchr, a Dubai-based shipping company that avoided collapse by cutting over 1200 jobs and raising fresh funding in August 2020. He talks about the new vision, shifting his mindset towards the future and building a strong company culture. MySay link: https://hakawati.fm/mysay

Invested in Art: Advice from an Insider

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 07 Sep 2020 00:00:00 -0400

Saleh Barakat is a Lebanese art expert, gallery owner and curator. He talks about the right approach to buying art and the real returns on investment. He gives tips on starting a collection and comments on a few Levantine artists who are becoming influential on a global level. MySay link: https://hakawati.fm/mysay

Debunking Cryptocurrency and the End of Money

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 31 Aug 2020 00:00:00 -0400

Talal Tabbaa is the Dubai-based co-founder and COO at Jibrel Network. He explains how cryptocurrency is regulated by digital scarcity, how it can protect investors against inflation and the advantages of trading on the ethereum blockchain, including the fact that it bypasses the traditional banking system. He predicts that it will eventually replace money as we know it. MySay link: https://hakawati.fm/mysay

Lockdown Dining: The Evolution of Food Delivery

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 24 Aug 2020 00:00:00 -0400

Mohamed Al Fayed is the CEO and Co-Founder of Grubtech, a Dubai-based F&B tech company founded in 2019 that recently received $2 million in seed funding. He explains how the restaurant delivery industry has rapidly evolved with COVID-19, how Grubtech optimizes the digital process, the advent of robotic kitchen 'staff' and the ways AI will change the way we eat.

Repowering Lebanon with wind energy

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 17 Aug 2020 00:00:00 -0400

Salah Tabbara is co-founder of Naseem Akkar Windfarms, Lebanon's first wind energy project that will power 220,0000 homes. In this episode recorded before the August 4th explosion at the Port of Beirut, he talks about the project's progress, how the private sector can help restructure that country's failed economy and eliminate the need for subsidies and addresses the rise of sustainable energy across the Middle East. MySay link: https://hakawati.fm/mysay

Behind the music with Dounia

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 10 Aug 2020 00:00:00 -0400

Dounia is a Moroccan-American singer, songwriter, model, and activist based in Queens, New York. She talks about grappling with her identity as a Muslim, writing explicit lyrics and how her unconventional beauty and message of self-acceptance has led to a huge following and fan base. MySay link: https://hakawati.fm/mysay

Game on: the race for global audiobooks domination

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 03 Aug 2020 00:00:00 -0400

Sebastian Bond is the CEO & Founder at Kitab Sawti. The Arabic audiobook company was recently acquired by Sweden-based Storytel, a main competitor to Amazon's Audible, as part of a strategy to acquire global, emerging markets. He explains how he came up with the idea in Sweden in 2016 where the second language is Arabic and explains why audiobooks encourage reading. MySay link: https://hakawati.fm/mysay

Chicken farms and the antibiotic apocalypse

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 27 Jul 2020 00:00:00 -0400

Dr. Issmat Kassem is an Assistant Professor of Food Microbiology Safety at the University of Georgia. He sounds the alarm about an antibiotic-resistant gene called MCR-1 that's making its way from the poultry industry into humans at an alarming rate and how this will lead to millions of deaths across the Middle East, Asia and the world. He explains why Colistin should be banned from agriculture and why we should be investing in alternatives to antibiotics. MySay link: https://hakawati.fm/mysay

Fashion in the time of Corona with Mariam Yeya

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 20 Jul 2020 00:00:00 -0400

Mariam Yeya is the Founder and Creative Director of Mrs Keepa, a Dubai-based fashion label. Fresh off the release of her new collection Champs de Liberté, she talks about going all out despite the economic slowdown, selling style vs. fashion across the Middle East and the pitfalls of being an influencer. MySay link: https://hakawati.fm/mysay

The Entertainment Effect with Kareem Rahma

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 13 Jul 2020 00:00:00 -0400

Kareem Rahma is a comedian, poet, producer and film writer based in Brooklyn. He talks about Kanye West, identifying with the Black Lives Matter movement as an Egyptian-American, using entertainment to call out and fix social injustice, why he thinks poetry is having its biggest revival in over a century and why he thinks TikTok is the best thing that's happened since Facebook. MySay link: https://hakawati.fm/mysay

Investing in sperm banks

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 06 Jul 2020 00:00:00 -0400

Khaled Kteily is the founder and CEO of Legacy, a sperm freezing and testing service that ships sleekly-packaged kits overnight. The startup recently raised $3.5 million to expand its global footprint in this growing industry, which he says has been grossly underfunded. He reveals some shocking data about men's fertility, explains why 18 might be the ultimate age for men to freeze their 'most valuable assets' and why Mick Jagger is their biggest enemy. MySay link: https://hakawati.fm/mysay

The new world order and killer robots with Abishur Prakash

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 29 Jun 2020 00:00:00 -0400

Abishur Prakash is a geopolitical futurist at the Center for Innovating the Future in Toronto. His new book 'The Age of Killer Robots' lays out the possible outcomes as countries move towards deploying autonomous drones and robots in warfare. He talks about the weaknesses of algorithms, the current battle for AI supremacy between China and the US and how Saudi Arabia might transition from an oil-based economy to a self-sufficient technology hub as data becomes the new oil.

Making money out of flies

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 22 Jun 2020 00:00:00 -0400

Syrine Chaalala is the co-founder of nextProtein, a French-Tunisian startup that has just raised over $11 million in series A funding. From breeding happy flies to crisping them and distributing the product, she explains how they are paving the way in this nascent industry, its immense positive impact on the planet and why insect protein is the next hot commodity.

Bullseye: Building a localized job market in a connected world

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 15 Jun 2020 00:00:00 -0400

Roy Baladi is the co-founder of Jobs for Lebanon, a platform that rallies the global diaspora and connects the world's biggest employers with talent in Lebanon, where a highly educated population is facing an economic crisis. He explains how they've leveraged Smart Recruiter's software and why Lebanon might be a great place for corporations to explore.

TikTok's evolution and how it's taking over the Arab world

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 00:00:00 -0400

Rami Zeidan is the Head of Video and Creative at TikTok Middle East. He talks about how the platform is educating creators to develop content beyond signing and dancing, how it can be leveraged by entrepreneurs and how it has been tailored to suit Arab culture.

War zones, health tech and the rise of augmented reality surgery

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 01 Jun 2020 00:00:00 -0400

Nadine Hachach-Haram is the co-founder and CEO of Proximie, an AR platform for surgery that has made its way into over 80 hospitals in 30 countries since it was founded in 2015. Nadine, who is based in London, talks about the company's rise, from helping a surgeon in Gaza reconstruct an 18-year old boy's hand to winning large-scale contracts in the UK and around the world.

Releasing books, apps and saving foreign workers during COVID-19

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 25 May 2020 00:00:00 -0400

Chaker Khazaal is a Palestinian-Canadian author and reporter. He talks about why he loves living in hotels, releasing his new book 'Life Dice' during COVID-19 and how he's incorporated UPC codes that link to real video footage of the US invasion in Iraq. He also reveals the next step for his celebrity-endorsed app, Candles of Hope.

Unleashing creativity and the art of selling incredible watches

info@hakawati.fm — Wed, 20 May 2020 00:00:00 -0400

Maximilian Büsser is the founder, CEO and Creative Director of MB&F, a Swiss high-end watch brand. Now based in Dubai, he talks about the importance of making space for creative thinking and happiness. He also describes how he's dealt with COVID-19, including by slashing his small production in half and leveraging IG Live to sell his timepieces, which can sell for as much as $500,000.

Love and marriage: there's an app for that

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 11 May 2020 00:00:00 -0400

Sameh Saleh is the co-founder and CEO of Hawaya, a dating app tailored to Muslims looking for a life partner. He talks about launching the startup in Cairo in 2017, their acquisition by Match Group, its growing success around the world and how the algorithm works to help users with high intentions find their ideal mate.

Breeding unicorns in the Middle East

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 04 May 2020 00:00:00 -0400

Amir Hegazi is the author of Ecosystem Arabia, a new book that compiles insights from over 100 experts on startups, funding, entrepreneurship and policy in MENA. He talks about the challenges of connecting 400 million people in 22 countries into a cohesive market and the enormous potential in this emerging scale up ecosystem. https://online.flippingbook.com/view/137972/

The funny thing about being a stand up comedian

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 00:00:00 -0400

Egyptian-American stand-up comedian Maria Shehata shares anecdotes from her career as a female comic and reveals what her father said when she announced her plans to perform in comedy clubs full-time. She also gives key advice on how to be funny on stage.

Why Palestinian cuisine is totally underrated

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 20 Apr 2020 00:00:00 -0400

The chef with the world's best hommus recipe Sami Tamimi has a new cookbook called Falastin, co-written with food writer Tara Wigley. He talks about his unique partnership with Israeli chef Yotam Ottolenghi, the challenges Palestinian farmers face to export their world-class olive oil and the heirloom vegetable that are being reintroduced to counter the pitfalls of commercial agriculture.

Bold Moves: From employee to entrepreneur

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 13 Apr 2020 00:00:00 -0400

Joe Tabet is the founder of JT+Partners, a UAE-based architecture and engineering firm. Five years ago at the age of 41, he left one of the world's biggest firms to start his own business. He now has over 70 employees and projects all around the world. Joe shares the secrets to great leadership and striking deals in the Middle East.

Marketing and growing your business during the COVID-19 crisis

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 06 Apr 2020 00:00:00 -0400

Growth marketing expert Nelio Leone talks about strategies that will help your business navigate the economic crisis and what the new corporate normal will look like. He shares wisdom he acquired at Careem and also in Chiang Mai, where he soaked up some lessons from digital nomads.

The Voice Contestant Who's Making Opera Cool Again

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 30 Mar 2020 00:00:00 -0400

Greek-Lebanese singer Matteo El Khodr stunned both the jury and the audience at the blind auditions of The Voice France’s Season 9. The buff performer talks about how he became the Middle East's only countertenor and his acting debut in the Lebanese romantic comedy film ‘Khabsa’.

The non-profit that's bringing free thought to the Arab World

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 23 Mar 2020 00:00:00 -0400

Faisal Saeed Al Mutar joins us from NYC to talk about Ideas Beyond Borders, an organization that's translating thousands of Wikipedia entries and the world's most influential books into Arabic. He also talks about growing up in Iraq and being on Saddam Hussein's Death List.

Killer Viruses and the Vegan Revolution

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 16 Mar 2020 00:00:00 -0400

Is a plant-based diet the answer to many of our generation’s health and viral epidemics? Veganism is sweeping the Middle East, from vegan Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud, whose KBW Ventures recently invested in a company developing lab-produced milk, to the new crop of restaurants and food products flooding the region’s marketplace. Vegan advocate and international speaker Seb Alex is a Barcelona-based, Lebanese-born proponent of veganism and in this episode, he makes a compelling case for a cruelty-free lifestyle and reveals what the Koran and the Bible say on the topic.

Self-worth vs net worth: a tale from the corporate world

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 09 Mar 2020 00:00:00 -0400

Dany Afiouni is the Head of Marketing Transformation at PepsiCo for Africa, Middle East and South Asia and an entrepreneur. He explains how climbing mountains has deeply changed him and talks about Longevity Sports, an ice-bath technology he’s developed to train for endurance sports that also has other health benefits.

The worst ‘Deal of the Century’, coronavirus mania and breaking with convention

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 02 Mar 2020 00:00:00 -0500

Emmy-nominated journalist and public speaker Ahmed Shihab-Eldin weighs in on Trump’s “Deal of the Century” for Israel-Palestine and the ramifications of coronavirus, including racism and profiteering. Now based in NYC, he talks about his latest projects and finding new ways to inspire change.

Selling sustainable fashion and how to live an authentic life

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 24 Feb 2020 00:00:00 -0500

Designer Roni Helou explains his approach to growing his sustainable ready-to-wear label, winning the Fashion Trust Arabia 2019 Prize and how he sources vintage and dead stock to create modular, multipurpose pieces that are meant to outlast trends.

The Rise of Generation Z in Saudi Arabia

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 17 Feb 2020 00:00:00 -0500

19-year Sami Fathi has spoken on youth issues at the UN in New York City and contributed editorial columns to Arab News. He shares his take on the rapid changes taking place in his native country of Saudi Arabia and tries to dispel common misconceptions. Check out the Da Miri Podcast here: https://link.chtbl.com/dmp

Divorce, legacy and religious laws in the Middle East

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 00:00:00 -0500

Fourth-generation lawyer Dr. Talal Jaber shares his take on religious laws in the Middle East and how they impact families. He proposes reforms that take into account local culture and contemporary values.

Kicking your addiction to the curb

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 03 Feb 2020 00:00:00 -0500

Dr. Farid Talih is a Psychiatrist at AUBMC who specializes in addictive behaviours and sleep disorders. He reveals the most prevalent drugs in the Middle East, the latest approaches to treatment and why addiction is now being called 'substance abuse disorder.'

Protein Puffs and the rise of Raw Bites

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 00:00:00 -0500

Raw Bites co-founder Ali Bazzaz talks protein, good carbs and why the Lebanese brand's peanut-flavored Just Protein Puffs are spreading like wildfire. He also talks about how they've crafted their international expansion, which is already well underway.

Why shooting virtual onions will make you want to buy gum

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 20 Jan 2020 00:00:00 -0500

George Eid is the Co-Founder of XLABS, a Beirut-based agency that is at the forefront of experiential marketing in the Middle East. He talks about the playful hardware and software they create for brands and the company's expansion into Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Why 'politics' shouldn't be a dirty word

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 13 Jan 2020 00:00:00 -0500

Gilbert Doumit is a Public Policy Expert and Political Activist and a Managing Partner at Beyond Reform & Development, a consulting firm and social enterprise that advises countries across the MENA. He explains why the term 'politics' should be redefined and what the new government should look like in Lebanon following the revolution.

Inside MMA, the fastest growing sport on Earth

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 06 Jan 2020 00:00:00 -0500

Abdo el Hage is an internationally certified mixed martial arts coach and judge. He talks about the rules of cage fights, the benefits of training and why MMA promoters should focus on the Middle East.

Blood, sweat and tears on the indie rock music scene

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 30 Dec 2019 00:00:00 -0500

Allan Chaaraoui is the Canadian frontman of Beirut-based indie band Lazzy Lung. He talks about keeping his alternative rock band alive since 2011, music industry secrets and the band's latest album, Swim The Tide.

How To Magically Disappear and Other Tricks

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 23 Dec 2019 00:00:00 -0500

Raymi is an illusionist, professional magician and mentalist. He is based in Dubai and performs all across the Middle East.

Would you eat lamb balls?

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 16 Dec 2019 00:00:00 -0500

What's Up Lebanon is an Instagram page with close to 250k followers. Founder Kareem Chaarani talks about his unique approach to promoting restaurants, nightclubs, covering current events and also his deep sense of duty to the community.

Keeping independent news alive in the age of social media

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 09 Dec 2019 00:00:00 -0500

Managing Editor of Annahar English Elias Sakr talks about the challenges of transitioning from print to digital, how the Middle East business model differs from that of the western media and why you should fork over six dollars a month for exclusive news stories.

Non-violent revolutions and how to succeed

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 02 Dec 2019 00:00:00 -0500

International lawyer, law professor and former presidential candidate Chibli Mallat talks about one of his latest books, 'Philosophy of Nonviolence: Revolution, Constitutionalism, and Justice Beyond the Middle East' and how to translate an uprising into a new social construct.

The Rapid Transformation of Saudi Arabia and the Feasibility of Vision 2030

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 25 Nov 2019 00:00:00 -0500

Our guest, Joseph Kéchichian is a Senior Fellow at the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies in Riyadh. In this episode, he explains why he thinks the kingdom is likely to achieve its ambitious Vision 2030 goals, and why critics of the country are merely spreading propaganda.

The art of performing with Marc Hatem

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 18 Nov 2019 00:00:00 -0500

Lebanese singer and actor Marc Hatem shares his personal thoughts on being on The Voice and Dancing with the Stars. Hatem talks about how to be a great performer, the problem with artists in the Middle East and why he started his own music academy, Music Factory.

Inside professional basketball with Walter Hodge

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 11 Nov 2019 00:00:00 -0500

Puerto Rican basketball player Walter Hodge reveals the advantages of not playing in the NBA, the perks of living in the Middle East and he suggests ways the sport could be marketed better in the region.

Creating purposeful digital content with Farid Hobeiche AKA @farixtube

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 04 Nov 2019 00:00:00 -0500

Farid Hobeiche (AKA @Farixtube), a comedic influencer with a unique approach to digital content and product placement, explains his strategy and his humorous take on social and political problems.

Explaining the Lebanese revolution with Professor Rami El Ali

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 28 Oct 2019 00:00:00 -0400

Rami El Ali, a professor of philosophy at the Lebanese American University and a political activist, shares his views on the circumstances that have led to Lebanon's October Revolution and explains the post-Civil War mindset and main socio economic issues.

A roadmap to the future in Lebanon with Imad Salamey Ph.D

info@hakawati.fm — Wed, 23 Oct 2019 00:00:00 -0400

Imad Salamey, a political science professor at the Lebanese American University, explains how Lebanon's October Revolution is different from previous uprisings and should be the starting point for a benchmark-setting, non-sectarian, forward-thinking government in the Middle East.

Building an acting career with Issam Merheb/ SiMi

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 14 Oct 2019 00:00:00 -0400

Actor and video blogger Issam Merheb/ SiMi voices his criticism of the film and television industry in Lebanon and the actresses who rely on plastic surgery to grow their popularity.

Designing experiential spaces with Rabih Geha

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 07 Oct 2019 00:00:00 -0400

Interior Designer of the Year Rabih Geha talks about winning the Middle East's top industry awards.He discusses color, the emotions it evokes no matter what Pantone's color of the year is, and shares details on his upcoming projects in Africa.

Selling entertainment and the perks of living a minimalist life with Michel Elefteriades

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 30 Sep 2019 00:00:00 -0400

Michel Elefteriades founded Music Hall in 2003 and has since replicated the concept internationally, including soon in Sao Paulo, Brazil and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. In his first interview in the last four years, he talks about building his entertainment empire and why he now favors driving utilitarian company cars over his highly publicized, matte black custom Bentley.

Nudity, dictators and the daily reality of Syrians in a war ravaged Middle East

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 23 Sep 2019 00:00:00 -0400

French-Syrian photojournalist Ammar Abd Rabbo talks about his latest exhibition IM-Matricules, a series of nude photographs meant to highlight the collapsing world around us and how we cope. Known for his portraits of international figures including Bashar al-Assad, Muammar Gaddafi and Stephen Hawking, he has also been lauded for chronicling events in Iraq, Libya and Lebanon since the 1990s.

Building connected live/work communities with Mouhamad Rabah

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 16 Sep 2019 00:00:00 -0400

Mouhamad Rabah is the CEO of Beirut Digital District, a buzzing tech hub and real estate development in downtown Beirut that’s made up of ten buildings covering over 20,000 square metres of office space and housing 135 companies. In this episode we discuss the ongoing project and the benefits of co-working spaces.

What do women want from men?

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 09 Sep 2019 00:00:00 -0400

What do women want from men? It's a universal conundrum, irrespective of one's culture, ethnicity or language. Men are constantly scratching their heads over their mysteriously disgruntled girlfriends, and research since the 1940s has revealed that women are responsible for initiating at least 70 percent of divorces. So what's going wrong? In this episode, we finally solve the riddle that's been plaguing mankind since the beginning of time, with the help of renowned Lebanese sexologist Dr. Sandrine Atallah, host of Sex Talk, and Lebanese journalist Rayane Abou Jaoude, host of Khilqit Binit. Warning: This conversation is raw, uncensored and brutally honest.

Legalizing medical cannabis in Lebanon with Fadi El-Jardali

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 02 Sep 2019 00:00:00 -0400

Fadi El-Jardali is a Professor of Health Policy and Systems at the American University of Beirut and the Director of the Knowledge to Policy (K2P) Center. In this episode, we discuss the ongoing legislative process for the legalization of cultivation of cannabis for medicinal purposes in Lebanon and the potential benefits and risks of implementation.

Selling fast food in a changing world with Donald Batal

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 26 Aug 2019 00:00:00 -0400

Donald Batal is the founder of Ministry of Food, a restaurant management company that operates over 30 Classic Burger Joint and Tomatomatic restaurants in Kuwait, Cyprus, Lebanon, Iraq and the UAE. In this episode, he shares his formula for running a successful fast food restaurant, does a blind taste test of CBJ vs. a competitor's french fries and he tells us why burgers are king in the F&B business.

The 16 billion USD business of makeup in the MENA with Samer Khouzami

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 19 Aug 2019 00:00:00 -0400

Samer Khouzami is a makeup artist-turned-entrepreneur whose namesake cosmetic brand was launched at Sephora Middle East in June, 2019. He has over 2 million followers on Instagram and in this episode, we discuss the demise of social media and his journey from cash-trapped student to overseeing a growing beauty empire in an industry that's expected to be worth 44.55 billion USD by 2023 in the Middle East alone.

Wildlife photography and our vanishing planet with Michel Zoghzoghi

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 12 Aug 2019 00:00:00 -0400

Michel Zoghzoghi is a Lebanese businessman who has turned a passion for wildlife photography into a way of life, regularly traveling to remote parts of our planet to capture candid portrait of the world's most beautiful creatures. With his photographs, he aims to raise awareness about endangered animals and the catastrophic effects of pollution, global warming and deforestation. When he's not trekking around the world or auctioning off his work for charity, he is the founder and CEO of Dima Healthcare, a successful medical supplies company.

The endangered future of telecoms with Nadim Khater

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 05 Aug 2019 00:00:00 -0400

Nadim Khater is the Chief Commercial Officer at Touch, the leading mobile operator in Lebanon owned by Zain, a Kuwait-based telecommunications company. In this episode, we discuss the technological disruptors affecting mobile carriers' bottom lines and threatening their future existence, and touch's Innovation Program, which seeks out and mentors tech startups and their founders.

Extreme adventures and the rise of ultra-trail races with Maxime Chaya

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 29 Jul 2019 00:00:00 -0400

Maxime Chaya was the first Lebanese to climb Mount Everest in 2006 and since then he's followed up with incredible feats, like rowing 6,500 km over 57 grueling days across the Indian Ocean and biking 1000 km across the unforgiving Rub' Al Khali desert. In this episode, he talks about the challenges of having to manually desalinate sea water and digging up supplies in shifting sand dunes. He also reveals his next adventure.

Documenting real stories in the Middle East with Ricardo Karam

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 22 Jul 2019 00:00:00 -0400

The Dalai Lama, Bill Gates and HM Queen Noor Al Hussein of Jordan- Ricardo Karam has interviewed some of the world's biggest personalities. This pioneer of TV reporting in the Middle East has plenty of stories to tell as we discuss his current projects, including Al Khatef Moukabel Al Fidya (Kidnapping for A Ransom) on Abu Dhabi TV, an investigative series documenting the world of kidnappers.

A German think-tank in the Middle East with Dirk Kunze

info@hakawati.fm — Wed, 17 Jul 2019 00:00:00 -0400

Meet one of the influencers of regional politics. Dirk Kunze is the new head of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom MENA, a German think-tank devoted to the promotion of liberal principles and to political education. Find out how the organization is tactically contributing to shaping a new Middle East.

Incels, Arab men and plastic surgery with Dr. Paul Yazbek

info@hakawati.fm — Fri, 12 Jul 2019 00:00:00 -0400

Are men getting into plastic surgery? Jaw implants, chin injections and nose jobs are just a few of the procedures being sought out by men who want to look more attractive. In this episode, Dr. Paul Yazbek, a well known facial plastic surgeon and ENT doctor, shares his thoughts and anecdotes on this growing trend and discusses how men in the Middle Eastern compare with those in the West when it comes to their attitudes towards plastic surgery and their genetically determined physical traits. http://www.drpaulyazbek.com/ @drpaul.yazbek

From the first cinemas to ushering in sushi bars with Mario Haddad

info@hakawati.fm — Mon, 08 Jul 2019 00:00:00 -0400

Mario Haddad is the Head of Distribution at Empire Group, a family business established in 1919. He oversees all Empire Cinemas and film distribution across the Middle East. He is also a passionate foodie and busy restaurateur, overseeing several restaurants in Lebanon and Dubai.

Effecting political change in the stratcom industry with Eli Khoury

info@hakawati.fm — Fri, 28 Jun 2019 00:00:00 -0400

Eli Khoury is the CEO of M&C Saatchi MENA and the founder and CEO of Quantum Group, a strategic communication firm that has rolled out campaigns in Iraq, Jordan and the US aimed at shaping public opinion. He is also a political activist who was heavily involved in Lebanon's Cedar Revolution and he is vocal about his desire to see regime change in that country. http://www.quantum.com.lb/ http://www.mcsaatchi.me/

Trailer

info@hakawati.fm — Thu, 27 Jun 2019 00:00:00 -0400

themensroom.show