The Levant Lounge

Beauty & the Beasts

Get ready for another loaded episode ladies! Beauty standards have always been prominent in the Lebanese culture, from unsolicited comments from the aunties to “sma3iya mini ya khalto”. We take a deeper look into gender comparisons, agism, plastic surgery and more. Our book recommendations for this episode are Eyeliner: A Cultural History by Zahra Fatima Hankir, Pixel Flesh: How Toxic Beauty Culture Harms Women by Ellen Atlanta & More Than a Body: Your Body Is an Instrument, Not an Ornament by Lexie and Lindsay Kite.

Teen Talks: Identity, Culture & Belonging ft. Yasmine K

We are so excited to introduce our very first guest on the podcast, Yasmine! We have watched Yasmine blossom & grow over the years, and getting to pick her brain was an absolute delight. She talks about being a third culture kid, growing up across the globe and preparing herself for the new world of university. Her book recommendation is Nahj al-Balagha by Imam Ali (AS).

You’ve Got A Friend In Me

Welcome back to our first episode of season 2 of The Levant Lounge! We are so excited to kick off the series with our friendship episode, diving head first into the complexities of girlhood & how to maintain healthy friendships over the years. Our book recommendations for this episode are: The Hobbit by J. R. R Tolkien and Estranged: How Strained Female Friendships Are Mended Or Ended by Susan Shapiro Barash.

Cedar & Spine: Dinner for Vampires

Welcome to the first episode of our mini series, Cedar & Spine— our very own podcast book club! Every month we’re going to unpack one of our top current reads from romance to memoirs. First up is Dinner for Vampires, a chilling tale by Bethany Joy Lenz as she retells her years spent unknowingly falling deep into a religious cult. Get cozy and dive into this book with us.

Reminiscing on Ramadan

Reminisce on Ramadan with us in our first season finale! This episode took us for a stroll down memory lane as we discussed fasting in the diaspora, iftars back home and the traditions we’re bringing with us into this new generation. Our book recommendations for this episode are Inspiration from Women Who Have Memorized the Quran by Saadia Mian & The Caliph’s House: A Year in Casablanca by Tahir Shah & of course, the Holy Quran.