In Part 2 of our conversation with comic and content creator Reem Edan, Arabs in Media unpacks some of Reem's upbringing, her temporary move to Iraq, and how to show up to help others when you feel your mental health won't allow you.
In probably the first-ever Iraqi-manned tri-lingual podcast of mostly English sprinkled with some Arabic words and a couple of entire phrases in Spanish, enjoy some of our topics:
- How a "fart spray" video launched her father into stardom and the video series of expressions in Iraqi Arabic
- How her baba's videos led to a pseudo-rivalry of videos with her mom.
- What is "75 Hard," how has it changed Reem and if there should be an age cap for host Hazem Jamal
- The joys and benefits of fake Kraft cheese in a can imported from Arab countries
- Test the quality of your headphones to see if you can hear Reem's stomach growl while we talk about food
- Reem's history with her weight condition, and how Iraqis being famous comedy roasters affected her
- Saddam sightings and the Saddam Mustache comeback
- Iraqi generational trauma, unrelated to weight struggles or being roasted by your family, or Saddam mustache sightings, and how it connects to optimism
- The difference between finding opportunities and having the courage to admit what you want
It was a joy to share a conversation with Reem Edan, generous in spirit, laughs and kindness. She has a gift to make you feel happy. I hope you enjoy it too.
PS: This episode is dropping on my birthday, and if you enjoyed this episode, but even if you didn't, I'm asking you for a donation to the PCRF, helping children in Palestine and across the Middle East throughout this genocide. The PCRF created the first pediatric cancer department in Palestine and need all the help they can get to help the most devastated population of children we’ve seen in my lifetime. Here's the link:
https://www.facebook.com/share/1AeuKW118z/
Our Shoutout Links from this episode:
https://www.npr.org/2024/11/21/nx-s1-5154097/documentary-no-other-land-looks-at-palestinians-forced-from-homes-in-the-west-bank
Reem's Shoutout:
https://www.betweeneast.com/
https://www.instagram.com/betweeneast/
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About the host:
Hazem Jamal is a first-generation Iraqi-American who worked in as a programming exec in American radio for many years.
Hazem founded Arabs in Media to offer an independent platform for new stories, information and entertainment missing in corporate media.
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