Shows
The Beirut BanyanTAMARA RASAMNY - A Global Stand for Gaza (Ep.404)A conversation with Tamara Rasamny - MA at Columbia University's Climate School.
A look at the student encampment at Columbia University in support of Gaza, the wider meaning of a global movement demanding justice and freedom for Palestine, Tamara's own detainment during the police raid on Columbia's campus, and a reflection of her participation in protests at home in Beirut and abroad in New York.
The student encampment's demands include:
- Divestment of all finances, including endowment, from corporations that profit from apartheid, genocide, and occupation.
- Total financial transparency of all investments.
- Amnesty for students and faculty disciplined...2024-05-1940 min
Conversations with Ricardo Karam#24 Resilience in Activism: The Walid Rasamny Story I الصمود في النضال: قصة وليد رسامنيSend us a textفي هذه الحلقة من البودكاست، ألتقي وليد رسامني، رجل الأعمال الذي تردّد اسمه عالمياً بعد رسالةٍ بعثها إلى أصدقائه فانتشرت قاطبةً. اكتشفوا القصة وراء رحلة ابنته تمارا غير المتوقعة، التي طُردت من جامعة كولومبيا قبل أسابيع قليلة من تخرّجها. إنّ موقف تمارا الجريء من أجل العدالة فيما يتعلّق بفلسطين قادها إلى طليعة الاحتجاجات الطلابية، ممّا جعلها في النهاية رمزاً للصمود. انضموا إلى ريكاردو كرم وهو يستكشف الطبقات المعقّدة للنشاط والأسرة وقوة الدفاع عن معتقدات الفرد مع وليد رسامني.In this captivating episode of the podcast, delve into a conversation with Walid Rasamny, an entrepreneur whose name resonated globally after his viral letter to friends. Discover the story behind his daughter Tamara's unexpected journey, ousted from Columbia University just weeks before her graduation. Tamara's bold stance for justice regarding Palestine led her to the forefront of student protests, ultimately shaping her into a symbol of resilience.Join Ricardo Karam as he explores the intricate layers of activism, family, and the power of standing up for one's beliefs with Walid Rasamny.2024-04-3036 min
Beyond the Raging Sea: State of MindIntroducing … al empireWe’re thrilled to share another podcast from Kerning Cultures Network with you: al empire.al empire returns for Season 3 with more stories of exceptional Arabs from around the world and their journey to the top, from comedians and entrepreneurs to musicians and media mavericks. This season of al empire, we’re also releasing the full uncut video episodes online.In this episode we sit down with Egyptian Adventurer and Entrepreneur, Omar Samra. Omar went from being an investment banker to adventuring around the world. He’s been on adventures climbing the highest mountai...2023-06-2339 min
The Sawti PodcastResources Ahead of May 6 and May 8 Diaspora Vote, May 15 In-Country VoteListen to the episode clip for some key information before you vote (whether as part of the diaspora on May 6 or May 8, or in Lebanon on May 15).
Please check out Sawti's FAQs so you're prepared to vote:
(this discusses lists, what a preferential candidate is, and the overall process of voting)
https://www.sawtivoice.org/faqs
Lists of coalitions and candidates in your district: https://www.sawtivoice.org/candidates
Polling stations in your country:
https://www.sawtivoice.org/polling
Hear from candidates from various lists a...2022-05-0501 min
Kerning CulturesRocket ManIn the 1960s, a college professor and his group of students were determined to build and launch rockets into space. And so, they did. This week, on Kerning Cultures, a story about the first-ever rocket launched from the Arab world into space.This episode first aired in 2020 and was produced by Tamara Rasamny with editorial support from Dana Ballout, Zeina Dowidar, Alex Atack, Nadeen Shaker, and Hebah Fisher. Sound design by Mohamad Khreizat, and fact-checking by Zeina Dowidar.Support this podcast on patreon.com/kerningcultures for as little as $1 a month. Hosted...2022-04-2943 min
Kerning CulturesZabelleIn 1917, a musical prodigy called Zabelle Panosian recorded a song that captured the heartbreak of a generation of Armenian Americans in the aftermath of the Armenian Genocide. She toured the world, selling thousands of records. And then, she was almost completely forgotten. This episode originally aired in July 2020.This episode was produced by Alex Atack with editorial support from Dana Ballout, Tamara Rasamny, Nadeen Shaker, Zeina Dowidar and Hebah Fisher. Sound design by Alex Atack and Mohamed Khreizat, and fact-checking by Zeina Dowidar. Kerning Cultures is a Kerning Cultures Network production.Ian's new b...2022-03-1748 min
The Sawti PodcastThe Sawti Podcast: MinteshreenIn this episode, we speak to Ghiya El-Assaad from Minteshreen on the political group's recently-formed coalition ahead of Lebanon's 2022 elections, lessons learned on recent criticisms, and how political parties and citizens can better engage in discussions with each other.
In this episode, we reference Minteshreen's political plan, which you can access, in Arabic, here, and in English, here. Keep up with Minteshreen by checking out their website and social media platforms:
Website: https://minteshreen.com/ar/what-we-stand-for/how-we-got-here
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/minteshreen @minteshreen
Facebook: https://www.facebook.co...2022-03-1653 min
A Better BeirutPartnership with MOSAIC - Discrimination is not straightA Better Beirut have teamed up with MOSAIC for a special Arabic feature that highlights their advocacy work with the support of @actedlebanon & @sidc.lebanon that aims to raise awareness on s orientation, gender identity and sex characteristics as well as promote human rights and inclusion of LGBTQI+ communities in Lebanon.
This episode was produced by Samir Ballouz and Tamara Rasamny, edited by Tamara and hosted by Lara Ayazri.
Interviewed: Mahdy Charafeddin
Find the episode with English subtitles (Watch on Youtube: or Facebook: https://fb.watch/bvagwXwRmL/2022-03-0231 min
The Sawti PodcastThe Sawti Podcast: Citizens in a State (Mouwatinoun wa Mouwatinat fi Dawla)In this episode, we speak to Petra Samaha from Citizens in a State on the group's centralized program and how they are prioritizing one national program across Lebanon as opposed to regional coalitions or efforts. We address their rhetoric around Hezbollah and what it means to be striving for a civil state. *Note: This episode has a video component. You can watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZ1uPAQXk4E
You can access Citizens in a State's electoral candidates through this link: https://qadreen2022.com/
To keep up with Citizens in...2022-03-0252 min
The Sawti PodcastThe Sawti Podcast: Madinati (Beirut Madinati)In this episode, we have a conversation with Hassan Ramadan from Madinati (formerly known as Beirut Madinati). We discuss topics from who Madinati is and how the party started a wave of hope in the 2016 municipal elections, engaging one of the largest municipal voter outcomes for a new political party, to how it decided to broaden its reach to focus on Lebanon, through its participation in the upcoming parliamentary elections.
We go over the recent change in the party’s name from Beirut Madinati to Madinati, how the group prioritizes a democratic exchange of ideas, and ongoing dev...2022-02-231h 05
The Sawti PodcastThe Sawti Podcast: National BlocIn this episode, we speak to Mohammad Serhan from National Bloc about the political group's history, its recent reemergence into the political scene, its work in social justice issues like the LGBTQI community and women’s rights, politically engaging youth and the Lebanese diaspora, and the existential crisis facing Lebanon as we know it.
Mohammad talks about his journey into the activist and political scene, the dynamics of forming political coalitions in Lebanon, and how sometimes, we need to put personal opinions aside in order to unite and influence change from within the parliament.
To kee...2022-02-1653 min
The Sawti PodcastThe Sawti Podcast: LiHaqqiIn this episode, we speak to Nay El-Rahi from LiHaqqi, a grassroots political organization that was formed prior to the 2018 elections by a group of young activists from the Chouf/Aley region.
Nay discusses the organization's work in recreating a new political identity, their views regarding pressure around opposition groups to unite, how traditional parties have hijacked the opposition, and how LiHaqqi refuses to compromise on its core values.
To keep up with LiHaqqi, check out their website and social media channels:Website: http://lihaqqi.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lih...2022-02-021h 00
The Sawti PodcastThe Sawti Podcast: Tahalof WataniIn this episode, we speak to Marc Geara from Tahalof Watani on how the political party is preparing for the elections, what they learned from the 2018 parliamentary elections and Marc's former experience running in the 2016 Beirut municipal election, and why it's important to remain hopeful despite Lebanon's collapse.To keep up with Tahalof Watani's work, check out their website and social media pages:Website: https://tahalofwatani.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tahalofwatani/ @TahalofWatani Twitter: https://twitter.com/TahalofWatani @TahalofWatani
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ta7alofWatani @Ta7alofWatani2022-01-2650 min
The Sawti PodcastThe Sawti Podcast: MadaIn this episode, we speak to Mada's representative, Marwan Issa, on how university secular clubs turned into a nation-wide network, how secularism and democratic principles have taken over previously sectarian discussions on Lebanon's future, and how Mada is preparing for the Lebanese 2022 elections.
To keep up with Mada's work, check out their social media channels:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madanetwork/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MadaNetwork/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MadaNetworkLEB
The Sawti Podcast is an Impact Lebanon initiative. It's co-hosted by Samir Ballouz, Tarek Khalil, and Tamara Ras...2022-01-1934 min
The Sawti PodcastIntroduction to The Sawti PodcastThe Sawti Podcast co-hosts explain what the aim of this podcast series is, what they hope to achieve, how the political scene has changed, and how they hope to bridge the gap between the Lebanese diaspora and the country's alternative political parties. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2022-01-1905 min
The Sawti PodcastThe Sawti Podcast trailerThe Sawti Podcast is your guide to Lebanon's alternative political parties and the upcoming elections. Each episode introduces a political party, discussing the group's values, aims, and work in creating a better Lebanon.
Episodes are released every Wednesday. Subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode. The Sawti Podcast is an Impact Lebanon initiative. It's co-hosted by Samir Ballouz, Tarek Khalil, and Tamara Rasamny. It's edited and produced by Tamara Rasamny. The sting is produced by Roupen Bezdikian. Cover art by Karine Sawan.Views expressed in this podcast do not represent t...2022-01-0602 min
Heart and SoulThe DruzeThe Druze are a religious minority, living mainly between Syria, Lebanon, and Israel. The religious movement was founded in the 11th Century by Hamza ibn Ali ibn Ahmad, an Ismaili leader, mixing aspects of Shia Islam and Esoterism, among other western philosophies. Because they are an insular community - conversions are forbidden either out of or into the faith - the Druze face a number of existential challenges, in a region where unrest is the norm.Tamara Rasamny meets young Druze men and women to what pressures young people in the community face, and how they reconcile...2021-08-1326 min
Kerning Cultures | Middle EastA Tale of Two InventorsHis whole life, Walid Waked had been told that his great grandfather invented the Arabic typewriter. And then, one day, he learned that another family – the Haddads – believed they invented it. This week on Kerning Cultures, the contested history of the Arabic typewriter.This episode originally aired in September 2019.Thank you to everybody we spoke to for this story: Ahmed Ellaithy – for taking us down the rabbit hole with you – Walid Waked, Anis Waked, Alexandre Cordahi, Nagla Badran, Pascal Zoghbi and Titus Nemeth.This episode was produced by Ahmed Ellaithy, Hebah Fisher, Nadeen Shaker, and Alex...2021-06-2532 min
Kerning CulturesA Tale of Two InventorsHis whole life, Walid Waked had been told that his great grandfather invented the Arabic typewriter. And then, one day, he learned that another family – the Haddads – believed they invented it. This week on Kerning Cultures, the contested history of the Arabic typewriter.This episode originally aired in September 2019.Thank you to everybody we spoke to for this story: Ahmed Ellaithy – for taking us down the rabbit hole with you – Walid Waked, Anis Waked, Alexandre Cordahi, Nagla Badran, Pascal Zoghbi and Titus Nemeth.This episode was produced by Ahmed Ellaithy, Hebah Fisher, Nadeen Shaker, a...2021-06-2531 min
Kerning Cultures | Middle EastElephants in the DesertFaysal Bibi and his team of palaeontologists have been captivated by this one particular moment that took place in the Abu Dhabi desert seven million years ago. This week, a journey back to a time before the desert was the desert… when elephants, crocodiles and monkeys reigned supreme in the UAE.This episode was produced by Alex Atack, with editorial support from Dana Ballout, Nadeen Shaker, Tamara Rasamny and Zeina Dowidar. Fact-checking by Zeina Dowidar and Dina Salem. Sound design by Alex Atack and mixing by Mohamed Khreizat. Kerning Cultures is a Kerning Cultures Network production.Th...2021-06-1730 min
Kerning CulturesElephants in the DesertFaysal Bibi and his team of palaeontologists have been captivated by this one particular moment that took place in the Abu Dhabi desert seven million years ago. This week, a journey back to a time before the desert was the desert… when elephants, crocodiles and monkeys reigned supreme in the UAE.This episode was produced by Alex Atack, with editorial support from Dana Ballout, Nadeen Shaker, Tamara Rasamny and Zeina Dowidar. Fact-checking by Zeina Dowidar and Dina Salem. Sound design by Alex Atack and mixing by Mohamed Khreizat. Kerning Cultures is a Kerning Cultures Network production....2021-06-1728 min
Kerning CulturesThe Missing ArchivesIn 1968, a trio of Palestinian filmmakers began making films about life under Israeli occupation. Almost 15 years and over 90 films later, their film unit became a dominant force in the Arab film industry. But in 1982, their film reels disappeared. Overnight, decades of footage and thousands of hours of archives were gone. Today on Kerning Cultures, the search for the Palestinian Film Unit's lost archives.This episode originally aired in August 2020 and was produced by Zeina Dowidar, with editorial support from Alex Atack, Nadeen Shaker, Tamara Rasamny, Dana Ballout, and Hebah Fisher. Fact-checking by Zeina Dowidar. Sound design and...2021-06-0344 min
Kerning CulturesJerusalem CallingBecause of what's happening in Palestine this week, we're holding off airing our usual programming. Instead we're going to re-air one of our favourite episodes from last season: Jerusalem Calling. With this episode, we hope to remember the rich history of Palestine, and that the occupation and Israel's apartheid policies go back decades. If you'd like to learn more about ways you can help Palestinians, we've put together a list of resources on our website, and will be sharing them on our Instagram this week: @kerningcultures.The Palestine Broadcasting Service started airing in 1936, from a brand new...2021-05-1339 min
Kerning CulturesCollateral DamageIn 1942, Lebanon's National Museum opened in Beirut, celebrating the country's golden age, and inside, it housed some of the region's most important artifacts. So when the Lebanese war started in 1975, the museum staff came up with an elaborate scheme to save everything inside the museum. This week on Kerning Cultures, the story of how a small team of museum employees protect thousands of years' worth of history.This episode originally aired in December 2019, and was produced by Alex Atack and edited by Dana Ballout, with additional support from Tamara Rasamny and Hebah Fisher. Fact-checking by Zeina Dowidar...2021-04-0927 min
Kerning CulturesIn Case of DeathWhat happens when somebody dies in a country that's not their home? In the UAE, the answer to that is complicated. This week on Kerning Cultures, stories about the families who've had to go through the experience, and the group of volunteers who help repatriate the bodies of foreigners after they've died in the UAE.This episode originally aired in September 2019.Special thanks to Zaki, Max, Ashraf Thamaraserry, Vidhyadharan, Amal Mathew, Ambika and Renji. The people at the Indian Association; CM Bashir, Sajad Saheer, Mohamed Mohideen and Baiju G. Sunil at the Hindu Crematorium and...2021-03-1131 min
Kerning CulturesCelebrating Women: Nadine Labaki on al empireIn celebration of International Women's Day, we're bringing back our interview with Lebanese director Nadine Labaki on Al Empire, another Kerning Cultures Network show.
Nadine chats with us about how her love for film began, the years of preparation and work for her 2018 film Capernaum, and her journey to becoming the first Lebanese woman in history to be nominated for an Academy Award.
Note: This episode mistakenly claims that Nadine was the first Arab woman to be nominated for an Academy Award. That distinction goes to Jehane Noujaim, another brilliant director, for her 2013 documentary The Square.
This episode was produced b...2021-03-0836 min
al empireHebah Fisher: Kerning Cultures Co-FounderToday on al empire, our season finale and last episode. So who better to end it with than the person who made this all possible? Hebah Fisher, KC Network’s co-founder and CEO, demystifies her name, shares beautiful family stories, and reveals a love for kickboxing. Through the highs and lows of building KC Network, Hebah tells us what kept her going. Although al empire is coming to an end, we continue to believe in the importance of celebrating our community’s accomplishments. Search ‘Kerning Cultures Network’ to hear other podcasts like this one, and follow @ke...2020-12-101h 17
al empireOmar Samra: Adventurer and EntrepreneurOmar went from being an investment banker to adventuring around the world. He’s been on adventures climbing the highest mountains in the world, attempting to row across the Atlantic Ocean, skiing in the North and South Poles, and a lot more, like starting his travel and adventure business, Wild Guanabana. Omar walks us through life’s eccentric highs, literally, and mournful lows.This episode was produced by Hebah Fisher and Tamara Rasamny with editorial support by Dana Ballout and Alex Atack. Sound design by Tamara Rasamny, and mixing by Mohamad Khreizat, fact-checking by Zeina Dowid...2020-12-0338 min
al empireGhizlan Guenez: The Modist FounderGhizlan Guenez always loved fashion. But, as she entered the corporate world, Ghizlan could never find modest yet fashionable clothing to suit her style and the women around her. In 2017, she founded The Modist, the first online luxury site for modest fashion.This episode was produced by Hebah Fisher and Alex Atack with editorial support by Dana Ballout and Tamara Rasamny. Sound design by Alex Atack, and mixing by Mohamad Khreizat, fact-checking by Zeina Dowidar. The original sting for al empire was composed by Ramzi Bashour. al empire is a Kerning Cultures Network production. Search ‘Kerning Cultures Net...2020-11-2632 min
al empireBernard Khoury: ArchitectYou may know Bernard Khoury from Johnnie Walker advertisements. He is the man behind some of Lebanon’s most iconic structures. Bernard takes us back to his childhood and the beginning of his architecture career, with his first major project, B 018, an underground nightclub that made global headlines, and tells us the impact that fame had on his work today.This episode was produced by Tamara Rasamny, Dana Ballout, Hebah Fisher and Alex Atack. Sound design by Alex Atack and fact-checking by Zeina Dowidar. The original sting for al empire was composed by Ramzi Bashour. al empire is...2020-11-1932 min
al empireMona Ataya: Mumzworld FounderMona Ataya, a serial entrepreneur, started early by selling chewing gum in grade school. Now, she runs the region’s largest online baby store, Mumzworld. She talks about the balancing act of being a mom and running a leading e-commerce company and how her Palestinian background contributed to her entrepreneurial spirit. This episode was produced by Hebah Fisher and Tamara Rasamny, with editorial support by Dana Ballout and Alex Atack. Sound design and mixing by Mohamad Khreizat, fact-checking by Zeina Dowidar. The original sting for al empire was composed by Ramzi Bashour. al empire is a Kerning Cult...2020-11-1232 min
al empireJad Abumrad: Radio HostHost and co-creator of Radiolab, More Perfect, Dolly Parton’s America, and more, Jad Abumrad has inspired the sounds of thousands of podcasts and radio shows around the world (Kerning Cultures Network shows included). In this episode, he opens up about being raised in a Lebanese household in Tennessee, curious about the intersection of music and stories. He shares with us his journey towards developing the craft of storytelling through sound, including how he was ignored and (literally) tuned out when he first started.This episode was produced by Hebah Fisher and Alex Atack, with editorial support by...2020-11-0550 min
al empireNadine Labaki: Filmmaker & ActressNadine chats with us about how her love for film began, the years of preparation and work for her 2018 film Capernaum, and her journey to becoming the first Lebanese woman in history to be nominated for an Academy Award. Note: The first airing of this episode mistakenly claimed Nadine was the first Arab woman to be nominated for an Academy Award. That distinction goes to Jehane Noujaim, another brilliant director.This episode was produced by Dana Ballout and Tamara Rasamny, with editorial support by Hebah Fisher and Alex Atack. Sound design by Mohamad Khreizat, a...2020-10-2936 min
Kerning CulturesJerusalem CallingThe Palestine Broadcasting Service started airing in 1936, from a brand new transmitter tower in Ramallah. It was a British station in three languages, aimed at promoting the message of the mandate government throughout the region. But over the following decades, as Palestine saw political upheavals, bloody conflicts and power shifts, the radio station found itself in the middle of it all... and became a unique capsule of the events that lead up to the Nakba.This episode was produced by Shahd Bani-Odeh, Alex Atack and Darah Ghanem, with editorial support from Dana Ballout, Nadeen Shaker, Tamara Rasamny...2020-10-0139 min
Kerning CulturesLittle SyriaThe lower west side of Manhattan used to be home to the biggest population of Arab immigrants in the US. In the early 20th century, streets were full of people speaking Arabic, with street vendors selling ka'ak, storefront baklava displays; this was New York's “Little Syria”. Today though, it's all gone.This week on Kerning Cultures, America's first Arab neighbourhood, and the final attempts to save it.This episode was produced by Hager Eldaas, with editorial support from Tamara Rasamny, Dana Ballout, Zeina Dowidar, Alex Atack and Nadeen Shaker. Fact-checking by Dina Salem and Zeina Dowi...2020-09-1834 min
Kerning CulturesElephants in the DesertFaysal Bibi and his team of palaeontologists have been captivated by this one particular moment that took place in the Abu Dhabi desert seven million years ago. This week, a journey back to a time before the desert was the desert... when elephants, crocodiles and monkeys reigned supreme in the UAE.This episode was produced by Alex Atack, with editorial support from Dana Ballout, Nadeen Shaker, Tamara Rasamny and Zeina Dowidar. Fact-checking by Zeina Dowidar and Dina Salem. Sound design by Alex Atack and mixing by Mohamed Khreizat. Kerning Cultures is a Kerning Cultures Network production.2020-09-0327 min
Kerning CulturesThe Missing ArchivesIn 1968, a trio of Palestinian filmmakers began making films about life under Israeli occupation. Almost 15 years and over 90 films later, their film unit became a dominant force in the Arab film industry. But in 1982, their film reels disappeared. Overnight, decades of footage and thousands of hours of archives were gone. Today on Kerning Cultures, the search for the Palestinian Film Unit's lost archives.For the list of films and other resources mentioned in this episode, visit our blog: https://kerningcultures.com/kerned-and-cultured/palestinian-film-unitThis episode was produced by Zeina Dowidar, with editorial support from Alex...2020-08-2743 min
Kerning CulturesMisfits: Icebergs & SquashThis week on Kerning Cultures, two short stories. Producers Alex and Zeina uncover why Egyptians are so good at playing squash, and look at a businessman’s unlikely dream to tow an iceberg from Antarctica to the shores of the UAE.
This episode was produced by Alex Atack and Zeina Dowidar, with editorial support from Dana Ballout, Tamara Rasamny, Nadeen Shaker and Hebah Fisher. Fact-checking by Zeina Dowidar, and research help from Noha Fayed. Sound design by Alex Atack and mixing by Mohamed Khreizat. Kerning Cultures is a Kerning Cultures Network production.
Support this podcast on patreon.com/kerningcultures for as...2020-08-1329 min
Kerning CulturesRocket ManIn the 1960s, a college professor and his group of students were determined to build and launch rockets into space. And so, they did. This week, on Kerning Cultures, a story about the first-ever rocket launched from the Arab world into space.This episode was produced by Tamara Rasamny with editorial support from Dana Ballout, Zeina Dowidar, Alex Atack, Nadeen Shaker, and Hebah Fisher. Sound design by Mohamed Khreizat, and fact-checking by Zeina Dowidar. Bella Ibrahim is our marketing manager. Kerning Cultures is a Kerning Cultures Network production.Support this podcast on patreon.com/kerningcultures...2020-07-3043 min
Kerning CulturesZabelleIn 1917, a musical prodigy called Zabelle Panosian recorded a song that captured the heartbreak of a generation of Armenian Americans in the aftermath of the Armenian Genocide. She toured the world, selling thousands of records. And then, she was almost completely forgotten. This is her story. This episode was produced by Alex Atack with editorial support from Dana Ballout, Tamara Rasamny, Nadeen Shaker, Zeina Dowidar, and Hebah Fisher. Sound design by Alex Atack and Mohamed Khreizat, and fact-checking by Zeina Dowidar. Kerning Cultures is a Kerning Cultures Network production.Support this podcast on Patreon for a...2020-07-2350 min
Kerning CulturesTrancing with the ZarsFor centuries in Egypt, Zar was a music and dance ritual believed to heal women from unwanted spirits that possessed their bodies. But as time went on and ideologies changed, the practice became controversial and deeply feared. And now, it's mostly gone. Today on Kerning Cultures, join producer Zeina Dowidar on a journey of music, spirits, and trance. This episode was produced by Zeina Dowidar with editorial support from Dana Ballout, Tamara Rasamny, Nadeen Shaker, Alex Atack, and Hebah Fisher.Sound design by Tamara Rasamny and Mohamed Khreizat, and fact-checking by Zeina Dowidar.Ke...2020-07-1733 min
Kerning CulturesUgly TruthThis is the ugly truth: racism and anti-Blackness in the Arab world is a common practice and a subject so taboo that many have convinced themselves that it doesn't even exist. But for those of us who live in these societies, and who are caught at the intersection of Black and Arab identities, it is undeniable. Today on Kerning Cultures, producer Sara Elhassan on racism in the Arab world.This episode was produced by Sara Elhassan, with editorial support from Dana Ballout, Tamara Rasamny, Zeina Dowidar, Alex Atack, and Hebah Fisher. Fact-checking by Zeina Dowidar and sound...2020-07-1022 min
Kerning CulturesOutcastOur producer Nadeen Shaker takes us on her own personal journey in trying to discover why she felt excluded because of her hijab. In Egypt, things are more complex than they seem; history, politics, class, and money all played a hand in changing how people perceive veiled women. This week on Kerning Cultures, a story about what it's like to feel like an outcast in your own country. This episode was produced by Nadeen Shaker, with editorial support from Dana Ballout. Tamara Rasamny, Zeina Dowidar, Alex Atack, and Hebah Fisher. Fact-checking by Zeina Dowidar. Sound design by...2020-07-0331 min
Kerning CulturesCollateral DamageIn 1942, Lebanon's National Museum opened in Beirut, celebrating the country's golden age and inside, it housed some of the region's most important artifacts. So when the Lebanese war started in 1975, the museum staff came up with a risky and elaborate scheme to save everything inside the museum. This week on Kerning Cultures, the story of how a small team of museum employees protected thousands of years' worth of history.Thank you to Suzy Hakimian, Anne-Marie Afeiche and Dr. Reinhard G. Lehmann for speaking to us for this episode.This episode was produced by Alex Atack...2019-12-1827 minKerning CulturesOur Women on the GroundAsmaa al-Ghoul was an ambitious young journalist when she started reporting on Gaza – her hometown – for the newspaper she'd dreamed of working for in high school. But through the trauma of uprisings, wars, and a failed marriage, she began to question how much journalism really matters.This week on Kerning Cultures, a special collaboration with Zahra Hankir as she reads Asmaa's essay from her book Our Women on the Ground. You can buy Our Women on the Ground on Amazon here.This episode was produced by Alex Atack, with editorial support by Dana Ballout, Tamara Rasam...2019-11-2436 minKerning CulturesAll of Them Means All of ThemOn October 17, people in Lebanon hit the streets to call for a new government. The revolution's slogan, “all of them means all of them”, spares no political party that has been a part of the sectarian-based government. This week on Kerning Cultures: how the revolution is changing people's relationship with their country.This episode was produced by Tamara Rasamny and Alex Atack, with editorial support by Dana Ballout, Hannah Myrick and Hebah Fisher. Sound design by Mohamad Khreizat, and fact-checking by Zeina Dowidar. Kerning Cultures is a Kerning Cultures Network production.Support this podcast on patr...2019-11-0944 minKerning CulturesA Tale of Two InventorsHis whole life, Walid Waked had been told that his great grandfather invented the Arabic typewriter. And then, one day, he learned that another family - the Haddads - believed they invented it. This week on Kerning Cultures: the contested history of the Arabic typewriter.Thank you to everybody we spoke to for this story: Ahmed Ellaithy - for everything, and taking us down the rabbit hole with you - Walid Waked, Anis Waked, Alexandre Cordahi, Nagla Badran, Pascal Zoghbi and Titus Nemeth.This episode was produced by Ahmed Ellaithy, Hebah Fisher, Nadeen Shaker, and A...2019-10-0629 minKerning CulturesIn Case of DeathWhat happens when somebody dies in a country that's not their home? This week on Kerning Cultures, stories about the group of volunteers who help repatriate the bodies of foreigners after they've died in the UAE.Special thanks to Zaki, Max, Ashraf Thamaraserry, Vidhyadharan, Amal Mathew, Ambika and Renji. The people at the Indian Association; CM Bashir, Sajad Saheer, Mohamed Mohideen and Baiju G. Sunil at the Hindu Crematorium and Mr. Johnson at Holy Trinity Church.This episode was produced by Noha Fayed and Alex Atack, with editorial support from Dana Ballout, Hebah Fisher, Shahd...2019-09-0330 min