Best Lebanon Public Library Podcasts (2026)

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Textile Workers & the Syrian-American Working Class | Stacy D. Fahrenthold 51:30

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20d ago51:30

51:30

Discover the interconnectedness of peddling and factory work, the surprising origins of the Aloha shirt, and the key role Syrian workers played in major labor actions like the 1912 Bread and Roses strike in Lawrence, Massachusetts. Associate Professor of History at the University of California and author of "Unmentionables: Textiles, Garment Work, …

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Julia Elyachar | On the Semicivilized: Coloniality, Finance & Embodied Sovereignty in Cairo 59:27

27d ago59:27

59:27

The discussion covers the evolving role of debt as an instrument of empire, the emergence of sovereign wealth funds, and the ways financial instruments and flows of money subtly shape political realities and people's lives in the region. Professor Elyachar discusses her latest book "On the Semicivilized: Coloniality, Finance, and Embodied Sovereign…

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Iraq: Eras of Rupture & the Illusions of Nostalgia | Zainab Saleh 1:01:20

1M ago1:01:20

1:01:20

The discussion delves into the complex historical eras of Iraq, challenging binary understandings of its past and present. A professor at Haverford College and author of "Political Undesirables: Citizen Denaturalization and Reclamation in Iraq and Return to Ruin: Iraqi Narratives of Exile and Nostalgia", Zainab Saleh discusses how the Iraq she grew…

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Art Doesn't Lie | Basel Dalloul on Archiving Arab Art & Decolonizing the Art Market 43:01

1M ago43:01

43:01

We visit Basel Dalloul at the Dalloul Artist Collective to discuss the genesis of the Dalloul Art Foundation and the mission of the new artist collective. A technologist and lawyer by training, Basel shares his family’s journey into collecting art and the vision his father had for a Pan-Arab art collection in Beirut. They discuss how Arabism failed…

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Curator Hiba Abid | Niyū Yūrk at the New York Public Library 52:26

2M ago52:26

52:26

Curator of "Niyū Yūrk: Middle Eastern and North African Lives in the City", Hiba Abid, joins us to talk about the exhibition, housed at the New York Public Library's iconic 42nd Street building, which challenges dominant narratives by presenting New York as a city deeply intertwined with Middle Eastern and North African history and culture. Abid de…

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Bernard Khoury | On Karantina, Solidere & Practicing Architecture in Lebanon 45:24

2M ago45:24

45:24

We visited renowned architect Bernard Khoury in his studio in Karantina, who offered a critical, unvarnished look at the reality of practicing architecture in Lebanon, contrasting it with the sugarcoated story of the "Phoenix coming out of its ashes". He discusses his career beginnings, the 2020 Beirut port explosion, and how his first project—the …

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Nurturing Authentic Voices in Filmmaking in the Arab World | Rana Kazkaz 44:12

2M ago44:12

44:12

We delve into the evolving landscape of filmmaking in the region, the importance of authentic, locally rooted narratives, and the critical role of institutions like the Doha Film Institute in fostering emerging talent. Award-winning filmmaker and associate professor at Northwestern Qatar, Rana Kazkaz, offers a glimpse into her current project "The …

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"The Future is Not a Grave" With the NYU Institutes | Masha Kirasirova & Tishani Doshi 53:29

2M ago53:29

53:29

"The Future Is Not a Grave" is a three-day workshop happening next week at NYUAD which explores futurisms and futurescapes across the MENA, Gulf, and Indian Ocean regions. In this collaborative episode with NYU Abu Dhabi Institute, conveners Tishani Doshi and Masha Kirasirova delve into challenging despair, fostering collective imagination, and int…

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Sculpting Public Art | Najla El Zein 45:41

2M ago45:41

45:41

Award-winning sculptor and artist Najla El Zein is most recently known for her work on a public commission by Qatar Museums for Doha's cultural district — a work titled "Us, her, him". She joins us to talk about her creative process, the evolution of her work, and the profound impact of personal experiences on her art. Based between Beirut and Amst…

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Pressure Cooker: National Pavilion UAE at the 19th International Architecture Exhibition at the Venice Biennale | Azza Aboualam 41:22

3M ago41:22

41:22

We delve into the UAE National Pavilion at the 2025 Venice Biennale, titled "Pressure Cooker" with curator Azza Aboualam. An assistant professor at the College of Arts and Creative Enterprises at Zayed University Dubai and co-founder of Holesum Studio, Aboualam explains how architecture can be a cornerstone for achieving food security, particularly…

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History of Carpets | Mohamed Maktabi 43:05

3M ago43:05

43:05

We visit Maktabi's flagship store in Beirut to unravel the rich history and intricate artistry of carpets. A third-generation carpet dealer from the renowned family behind Iwan Maktabi, Mohamed Maktabi delves into everything from the first carpet every discovered, the ancient origins of carpet weaving and the unique characteristics of tribal versus…

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Dust That Never Settles: Literary Afterlives of the Iran-Iraq War | Amir Moosavi 54:20

3M ago54:20

54:20

Amir Moosavi discusses the profound impact of the Iran-Iraq War – the longest two-state war of the 20th century – on the literature of both nations. Through his book "Dust That Never Settles: Literary Afterlives of the Iran-Iraq War," he explores in this conversation the official state-sanctioned narratives that emerged during and after the war, co…

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Yemen as the Global Home of Coffee | Nancy Um 55:37

3M ago55:37

55:37

We challenge contemporary perceptions of Yemen as a "backwater" by revealing the pivotal role of its port city, Mocha, in the making of our modern world. Historian Nancy Um delves into the fascinating history of coffee, from its origins in 15th-century Yemen to its global spread and the economic transformations it spurred. She explores the rich mar…

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Orientalism & Edward Said | Professor Nubar Hovsepian 1:00:25

4M ago1:00:25

1:00:25

Author of "Edward Said: The Politics of an Oppositional Intellectual," professor Nubar Hovsepian joins us to delve into the nuanced legacy of Edward Said, exploring common misunderstandings of his work, the reception of "Orientalism" within academia, and Said's vision of the "oppositional intellectual." The discussion also covers the evolving disco…

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Sustainability in Qatar & the GCC: Environmental Challenges & Opportunities 56:13

4M ago56:13

56:13

The author of "Sustainable Qatar: Social, Political and Environmental Perspectives" delves into the multifaceted meaning of sustainability, especially within the context of the Arabian Peninsula. Our guest unpacks the region's unique environmental challenges, including sea level rise, extreme weather events, and biodiversity loss, and explores the …

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Photographer Yumna Al-Arashi: Yemen, Identity, and Challenging Perceptions 53:56

4M ago53:56

53:56

A captivating episode with Yemeni-Egyptian artist Yumna Al-Arashi who discusses her upbringing in Washington D.C., the impact of the 2017 executive order (often referred to as the "Muslim ban") on her family, and how her art explores themes of identity, feminism, sexuality, healing, and human rights, frequently challenging the misrepresentation of …

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Smita Prabhakar on Ishara Art Foundation & Nurturing South Asian Art in the UAE 57:20

5M ago57:20

57:20

We challenge the conventional perceptions of home and identity in a diasporic context and delve into South Asian art. An art collector, entrepreneur, and the founder and chairperson of the Ishara Art Foundation, Smita Prabhakar shares personal anecdotes, including her move to Dubai 45 years ago and the evolution of her understanding of community an…

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Contemporary Moroccan Thought | Mohammed Hashas 54:40

5M ago54:40

54:40

We delve into the need to fill the literary and intellectual gap in Moroccan scholarship, the impacts of notable contemporary Moroccan philosophers and thinkers, and how their ideas engage with local, regional, and global issues like modernity, democracy, and human rights. Dr Mohammed Hashas is an assistant professor at the University of Rome Tor V…

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How Do You Decolonize Care? | Sundus Abdul Hadi & Maktaba Bookshop 54:51

5M ago54:51

54:51

We explore the Arab community's evolution in Montreal, the intent behind Maktaba Bookshop as a space for Arab representation and cultural exchange, and the concept of decolonizing care. The founder of Maktaba in Montreal, Iraqi artist and author Sundus Abdul Hadi shares her immigration story, creative endeavors, and the significance of her communit…

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Director of Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture at MIT Nasser Rabbat on Al-Maqrizi 1:02:54

5M ago1:02:54

1:02:54

We welcome back Prof Nasser Rabbat to discuss his latest book "Writing Egypt: Al-Maqrizi and His Historical Project," which focuses on the 14th-century historian labeled as Egypt's greatest historian. The director of the Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture at MIT outlines the journey and reasons behind his lengthy process of writing the book,…

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Dubai's South Asian Communities | Neha Vora 51:14

6M ago51:14

51:14

A professor of anthropology at the American University of Sharjah and the author of "Impossible Citizens: Dubai's Indian Diaspora" and "Teach for Arabia: American Universities, Liberalism, and Transnational Qatar," Neha Vora talks about her experience living in the United Arab Emirates, the influence of South Asian communities in Dubai, the concept…

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Mazen Kerbaj | Gaza in my Phone 1:03:33

6M ago1:03:33

1:03:33

Considered a key figure within Beirut's creative scene, comics author, visual artist and musician Mazen Kerbaj joins us on The afikra Podcast and discusses his upbringing in Beirut, his creative family background growing up around famous artist as parents, and the influence of the city's tumultuous history on his work. Kerbaj shares insights into h…

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Nathaniel Mathews | Zanzibar & Oman's Common History & Identities 1:00:17

6M ago1:00:17

1:00:17

Nathaniel Mathews is associate professor in Africana Studies at Binghamton University and author of "Zanzibar Was a Country: Exile and Citizenship between East Africa and the Gulf." He tells us about his journey in studying Zanzibar, prompted by his early exposure to Swahili culture. He delves into the historical significance of Zanzibar, its cosmo…

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Maknana at DAF: Glossary of New Media Art From the Arab World | Ala Younis & Haytham Nawar 1:02:58

6M ago1:02:58

1:02:58

Live from Diriyah Art Futures in Riyadh, we're joined by Haytham Nawar, the director of Diriyah Art Futures, and Ala Younis who co-curated its latest exhibition, which delves into the New Media Art scene in the Arab world. They explore the lack of recognition for Arab names in global media art history, discuss the significance of the word "archeolo…

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Rana AlMutawa | Unveiling Dubai's Complex Social Fabric 58:45

6M ago58:45

58:45

Host Mikey Muhanna talks to Rana AlMutawa, Assistant Professor of Social Research and Public Policy at NYU Abu Dhabi and author of "Everyday Life in the Spectacular City, Making Home in Dubai." They delve into the misunderstood complexities of Dubai's social dynamics, exploring urban ethnography, the mislabeling of spaces as "fake" or "authentic" a…

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Mental Healthcare For Children That Have Survived War | Dr Atif Magbool 32:38

7M ago32:38

32:38

We're joined by Dr Atif Magbool at Sidra Medicine who talks to us about the immense challenges and efforts in providing mental healthcare to children and women in crisis-affected areas. Dr Magbool shares his journey into pediatric psychiatry – primarily influenced by early experiences in Sudan – and discusses the significant differences between chi…

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Art, Identity & Technology in Riyadh | Khaled Makshoush, Aya Abu Ghazaleh & Youssef El Idrissi 50:26

7M ago50:26

50:26

Host Mikey Muhanna interviews emerging artists, Khaled Makshoush, Youssef El Idrissi and Aya Abu Ghazaleh, who share their experiences and artistic practices, covering their backgrounds, inspirations, and the challenges of being a young artist. Recorded live from Riyadh at Diriyah Art Futures, the episode delves into cultural exchanges, technologic…

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Prof Yasir Suleiman-Malley | Arabic in the Fray: Language Ideology and Cultural Politics 1:05:15

7M ago1:05:15

1:05:15

Professor Yasir Suleiman-Malley speaks about the complexities of Arabic tracing his personal journey with the language, from early struggles with grammar to a deep appreciation for its richness. We explore the historical and pedagogical challenges of teaching Arabic, especially given its sacred status connected to the Quranic text and the socio-cul…

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Sami Al Daghistani | Al-Ghazali's Influence on Islamic Thought, Ethics & Economic Philosophy 1:00:51

7M ago1:00:51

1:00:51

We're joined by professor and author Sami Al Daghistani to explore the life and thought of Al-Ghazali, a prominent figure in Islamic intellectual history. We delve into Al-Ghazali's multifaceted contributions to Islamic law, philosophy, and theology, highlighting his major works, such as "The Revival of Religious Sciences" and "Deliverance from Err…

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Samer Abboud | Syria's Political History From 1946 1:04:46

7M ago1:04:46

1:04:46

Professor Samer Abboud from Villanova University is an expert on Syrian politics. He joins us to discuss the intricacies of Syria's political history from 1946 to the present, including the impact of French colonial rule, frequent coups, the United Arab Republic, the rise and governance of the Ba'ath Party, and the shift towards crony capitalism in…

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LPLCast Episode 2.6 46:11

7M ago46:11

46:11

June/July 2025 | Hosts Holly Browning and Dylan Posa talk to Ben Morehouse about his upcoming programs, and recommend: 'Lost in Dara' by Robert Barrett 'The Annotated Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler 'Truly, Madly' by Stephen Galloway and 'Beasts of Burden Omnibus' by Evan Dorkin

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The MENA's Pop Culture Landscape | With Editor-In-Chief of Dazed MENA Ahmad Swaid 53:21

7M ago53:21

53:21

Previously Editor-in-Chief for GQ Middle East and currently for Dazed MENA, Ahmed Swaid has had an extensive career in media. He joins us to talk about his multicultural upbringing, from the UK, Syria and Lebanon, to Sierra Leone, and explores how his diverse background helps shape his unique vantage points in the media landscape. We discuss the ch…

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Data-Driven Storytelling & Anti-Authoritarian Journalism | Mona Chalabi 45:27

8M ago45:27

45:27

In this episode of The afikra Podcast, we're joined by renowned journalist Mona Chalabi who discusses her latest animated series "#1 Happy Family USA" with comedian Ramy Youssef, her unique data-driven and illustrated approach to journalism, and the use of humor as an effective communication tool. The conversation delves into Chalabi's upbringing, …

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The Evolution and Impact of Saudi Art | Mohammed Hafiz of ATHR 1:01:30

8M ago1:01:30

1:01:30

We talk to Mohammed Hafiz, the founder of ATHR Gallery and Foundation, about his journey in the art world, the evolution of Saudi contemporary art, and the founding of ATHR Gallery and the Saudi Art Council. Hafiz shares personal stories from his first experiences with art, the creation of ATHR, and the "Edge of Arabia" exhibition. He discusses the…

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Between Two Rivers: Ancient Mesopotamia and The Birth of History | Dr Moudhy Al-Rashid 1:03:14

8M ago1:03:14

1:03:14

We sit down with Dr Moudhy Al-Rashid, author of "Between Two Rivers: Ancient Mesopotamia and The Birth of History" an honorary fellow at Wolfson College, University of Oxford. She takes us on an incredible journey through ancient Mesopotamia, exploring the region's rich history, significant cultural innovations, and the development of the first wri…

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LPLCast Episode 2.5 44:15

8M ago44:15

44:15

May/June 2025 | Hosts Holly Browning and Dylan Posa talk about our author visit (Victoria Ellen), and recommend: 'Zatanna: Bring Down The House' by Mariko Tamaki and Javier Rodriguez 'Lost Lake' by Sarah Addison Allen 'A Few Words In Defense Of Our Country' by Robert Hilburn and 'Grunge Is Dead' by Greg Prato…

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The Future of Energy After Oil in the GCC | Dr. Adnan Shihab-Eldin 59:53

8M ago59:53

59:53

Senior visiting research fellow at the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies, Dr Shihab-Eldin joins us on The afikra Podcast to discuss his extensive career in nuclear and solar energy research, particularly his work in Kuwait on pioneering solar energy projects. We explore the challenges and potential of transitioning away from fossil fuels, the ene…

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The Moriscos & the Purging of Muslim Spain (1492-1614) | Matthew Carr 1:05:30

9M ago1:05:30

1:05:30

The author of "Blood and Faith: The Purging of Muslim Spain, 1492 to 1614," delves into the complex history of Muslim Spain, starting from the arrival of Muslims in Spain in 711 under a North African general, the formation of al-Andalus, and its eventual decline. Matthew Carr explains how the Spanish Christians perceived the conquest of Granada in …

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Desert Geography: The Entangled Fates of Arizona and the Arabian Peninsula | Natalie Koch 56:59

9M ago56:59

56:59

In this episode of The afikra Podcast, Professor Natalie Koch – the author of "Arid Empire: The Entangled Fates of Arizona and Arabia" – helps us dive into the unexpected connections between the deserts of Arizona and the Arabian Peninsula, beginning with the story of Hi Jolly and the camel experiments of the mid-19th century. The discussion explor…

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Let's Diagnose Global Health Today | Dr Slim Slama 47:35

9M ago47:35

47:35

The CEO of the World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH), Dr Slim Slama, joins us on this episode of The afikra Podcast to give an in-depth look into the complexities and challenges facing global health today, including the rise of non-communicable diseases, the impact of urbanization, and the inequity in health systems worldwide. The conversation …

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LPLCast Episode 2.4 45:44

9M ago45:44

45:44

April/May 2025 | Hosts Holly Browning and Dylan Posa talk to Madi Staggs about the Summer Reading Program, and recommend: 'Dead Money' by Jakob Kerr 'Bomb' by Steve Sheinkin 'Witchcraft For Wayward Girls' by Grady Hendrix and 'Once Upon a Wardrobe' by Patti Callahan Henry

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Camera Obscura and Photography's Roots in Tehran | Behzad Khosravi Noori at Quoz Arts Fest 20:06

10M ago20:06

20:06

Artist, archivist, and educator Behzad Khosravi Nouri, and Richard Lackey from Fujifilm Middle East delve into Behzad's unique exhibition at Gulf Photo Plus, titled "The Life of an Itinerant Through a Pinhole," which explores his grandfather's photographic work in Tehran during the 1950s and 60s using a handcrafted camera. Richard explains Fujifilm…

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Using Urban Fabrics Literally To Explore Layers That Shape Our World | Zé Tepedino at Quoz Arts Fest 27:29

10M ago27:29

27:29

Brazilian artist Zé Tepedino tells his fascinating story of journeying from Rio to Dubai, his innovative public art residency, and the creative process behind his large-scale fabric installation. He shares his unique perspective on materials, their histories, and their transformation into art. Host Bayan Dahdah helps him delve into his childhood, i…

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On Lifting the Hijab Ban in Basketball, Growing Up Sudanese in Britain & Finding Home in Poetry | Asma Elbadawi at Quoz Arts Fest 24:07

10M ago24:07

24:07

We dive into the multifaceted life of Asma Elbadawi, a Sudanese British poet, photographer, basketball player, and activist. From her early struggles with dyslexia to lifting the hijab ban on women's basketball, Asma's story is one of perseverance and empowerment. We get an intimate look at her relationship with Sudan and how it influences her art.…

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LPLCast Episode 2.3 39:04

10M ago39:04

39:04

March/April 2025 | Hosts Holly Browning and Dylan Posa talk to Ben Morehouse about his upcoming programs, and recommend: 'The LIghtning Bottles' by Marissa Stapley 'Man's Best' by Pornsak Pichetshote and Jesse Lonergan 'Hill Women' by Cassie Chambers and 'Joe the Barbarian' by Grant Morrison and Sean Murphy…

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Inside the Islamic Arts Biennale | HE Rakan Altouq & Dr Julian Raby 56:37

10M ago56:37

56:37

In this episode of the afikra podcast, host Mikey Muhanna speaks with His Excellency Rakan Altouq – Vice Chair of the Diriyah Biennale Arts Foundation and Assistant Minister for Culture of Saudi Arabia – and Dr Julian Raby, one of the artistic directors of the Islamic Arts Biennale. Live from the historic Hajj terminal in Jeddah, they discuss the s…

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Crude Capitalism: Oil, Corporate Power, and the Making of the World Market | Prof Adam Hanieh 1:01:08

11M ago1:01:08

1:01:08

In this episode of The afikra Podcast, host Mikey Muhanna speaks with Professor Adam Hanieh, author of "Crude Capitalism: Oil, Corporate Power, and the Making of the World Market," to discuss the transformative role of oil in shaping global economics and politics. The conversation delves into the historical context of oil production, including the …

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Exploring the Future of Art | Haytham Nawar on Diriyah Art Futures 43:18

11M ago43:18

43:18

In this episode of The afikra Podcast, host Mikey Muhanna talks to the director of Diriyah Art Futures, the MENA region’s first hub dedicated to New Media Arts, established by the Ministry of Culture of Saudi Arabia. Haytham Nawar discusses DAF’s focus on the intersection between art, science, and technology, aiming to create a hub for new media an…

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LPLCast Episode 2.2 34:07

11M ago34:07

34:07

February/March 2025 | Hosts Holly Browning and Dylan Posa talk about the one-one-one genealogy program, and recommend: 'Spare' by Prince Harry 'Polostan' by Neal Stephenson 'The Midnight Feast' by Lucy Foley and 'The Map Thief' by Michael Blanding.

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Curating Art Shows at Jaou Tunis & Navigating Artistic & Cultural Politics | Taous Dahmani 50:47

11M ago50:47

50:47

In this episode of The afikra Podcast, host Mikey Muhanna chats with Dr Taous Dahmani, a London-based art historian, writer, and curator. She discusses her career, her ties to Tunis, and curating the exhibitions Unstable Point and Assembly at Jaou Tunis. She explores the socio-political themes in these works, the challenges of political expression …