The Seeds

Iraqis Deserve an Apology | Mona Chalabi on the Seeds

In this episode of The Seeds, Mona Chalabi—Pulitzer Prize–winning data journalist and artist—joins host Alana Hadid for a warm, funny, and deeply reflective conversation about childhood, being Iraqi, how journalists manufacture consent for genocide, and data in dating. Plus Mona gets Melissa Barrera's seed! Chapters: 00:00 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNXrbumE3MI] – Intros, and Who’s More Awkward? 00:22 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNXrbumE3MI&t=22s] – Skip Intro 00:38 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNXrbumE3MI&t=38s] – Childhood Memories 02:14 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNXrbumE3MI&t=134s] – Pulling a Seed 03:37 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNXrbumE3MI&t=217s] – Mona's Life Purpose 05:08 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNXrbumE3MI&t=308s] – Going into Journalism 09:14 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNXrbumE3MI&t=554s] – Being Iraqi 13:11 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNXrbumE3MI&t=791s] – School Experiences and Cultural Identity 26:14 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNXrbumE3MI&t=1574s] – Career Choices and Disillusionment 32:50 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNXrbumE3MI&t=1970s] – Art, and Data Journalism 34:21 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNXrbumE3MI&t=2061s] – Speed Round 35:30 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNXrbumE3MI&t=2130s] – Unhinged Childhood Beliefs 36:42 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNXrbumE3MI&t=2202s] – Fascinating Statistics 37:01 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNXrbumE3MI&t=2221s] – Dating and Data! 40:40 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNXrbumE3MI&t=2440s] – Astrology vs. Data Journalism 42:43 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNXrbumE3MI&t=2563s] – Real Housewives Tagline 44:14 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNXrbumE3MI&t=2654s] – Nostalgic Arab Snacks 47:53 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNXrbumE3MI&t=2873s] – Animation and Representation 53:51 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNXrbumE3MI&t=3231s] – Pulitzer Prize Speech & Why Iraqi's Deserve and Apology 01:10:42 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNXrbumE3MI&t=4242s] – Credits Follow the Show: 📸 Instagram: @theseedsfm 🎥 Presented by Watermelon Pictures 🎙️ Produced by Dustlight Productions Follow Alana Hadid: IG: @lanzybear Follow Mona Chalabi: IG: @monachalabi Credits: Host – Alana Hadid Showrunner & Executive Producer – Misha Euceph Executive Producers – Badie Ali, Hamza Ali Associate Producer – Munir Atalla Producer & Researcher – Sarah Moawad Editor, DP, & Sound Engineer – Mike O’Brien Consulting Director – Mahnoor Euceph Production Designer – Kendra Bradanini Art Assistant – Noor Salim Design – Alicia Tatone Composer – Andy Clausen Colorist – Chehade Boulos Tech – Randy Burgess Marketing – Kristina Ferris & Daniela Sapkar Special thanks: Lighthouse Studios, Jack Menzies, Gordy Michie, Isabella Calderon, Sammy Strittmatter, Chrissy Maron, Sara Mengesha, Edwin Henry Tags: #TheSeeds [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/theseeds] #MonaChalabi [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/monachalabi] #AlanaHadid [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/alanahadid] #Iraq [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/iraq] #IraqWar [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/iraqwar] #Gaza [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/gaza] #Palestine [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/palestine] #War [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/war] #Journalism [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/journalism] #ManufacturingConsent [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/manufacturingconsent] #Dating [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/dating] #ArabVoices [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/arabvoices] #PulitzerPrize [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/pulitzerprize] #DataJournalism [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/datajournalism] ##StorytellingPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/storytellingpodcast] #Identity [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/identity] #DustlightProductions [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/dustlightproductions] #WatermelonPictures [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/watermelonpictures]

Doomscrolling Isn't Solidarity | Aja Monet on The Seeds

In this soul-stirring episode of The Seeds, poet and activist Aja Monet sits down with host, Alana Hadid, to talk about the cost of being online, bearing witness to injustice, and how poetry and faith can heal us. From the overwhelm of social media to solidarity with Palestine, Aja opens up about her upbringing, the legacy of her grandparents, and the journey of becoming a poet rooted in resistance, tenderness, and truth. She even shares a live reading of her poem, Los Angeles. Chapters: 00:00 – The Overwhelm of Social Media 00:22 SKIP INTRO 00:54 – Offline Community 01:15 – Harnessing Social Media for Activism 03:09 – Telling Stories About Palestine 19:04 – Aja's Story & Inspirations 22:00 – The Journey of a Poet 37:07 – The Role of Faith 38:57 – Aja & Alana's Religious Upbringing 42:35 – The Influence of Grandparents 46:39 – Personal and Political Realities of War 52:25 – The Role of Poetry in Activism 58:01 –  (Live Reading) 01:01:54 – Reflections on Compassion 01:07:47 – Knafeh & Goodbye Follow the Show: 📺New episodes every Tuesday 🎧 Available on YouTube, Apple, Spotify & all podcast platforms 📸 Instagram: @theseedspod 🎥 Presented by Watermelon Pictures 🎙️ Produced by Dustlight Productions Follow Alana Hadid: IG: @lanzybear Follow Aja Monet: IG: @ajamonet Credits: Host – Alana Hadid Showrunner & Executive Producer – Misha Euceph Executive Producers – Badie Ali, Hamza Ali Associate Producer – Munir Atalla Producer & Researcher – Sarah Moawad Editor, DP, & Sound Engineer – Mike O’Brien Consulting Director – Mahnoor Euceph Production Designer – Kendra Bradanini Art Assistant – Noor Salim Design – Alicia Tatone Composer – Andy Clausen Colorist – Chehade Boulos Tech – Randy Burgess Marketing – Kristina Ferris & Daniela Sapkar Special thanks: Lighthouse Studios, Jack Menzies, Gordy Michie, Isabella Calderon, Sammy Strittmatter, Chrissy Maron, Sara Mengesha, Edwin Henry #TheSeeds #AjaMonet #AlanaHadid #PalestinianSolidarity #Poetry #Activism #Faith #religion #SocialMedia #burnout #BlackPoets #poetsofinstagram #Storytelling #DustlightProductions #watermelonpictures #gaza #palestine

From Insecure to Activist: Kendrick Sampson on Art as Resistance | The Seeds with Alana Hadid

Why does Kendrick Sampson have beef with Leos? (We get into that… but this conversation goes way deeper.) Actor, activist, and creative force Kendrick Sampson (Insecure, Miss Juneteenth) joins host, Alana Hadid, for a bold and honest conversation about power, identity, and the lies we've been sold about success. He opens up about growing up as a misfit in Texas, the influence of his radical collaborations with Boots Riley, and how spirituality and community shape everything he does — on screen and off. This episode is about building systems that serve people instead of profits, connecting back to nature, and telling stories that actually shift culture. Chapters: 00:00 Why does Kendrick hate Leos? 00:22 SKIP INTRO 02:31 Who is Kendrick Sampson? 03:28 Childhood and Being a Misfit 09:22 Boots Riley and Creative Collabs 13:42 Kendrick’s Seed 16:26 Reflections on American Delusion 19:27 Family History and Identity 29:12 Community 30:54 Spirituality and Connection to Nature 31:45 Building Power Through Story 32:13 Basic Human Needs and Economy 32:46 Technology and Systemic Barriers 34:07 Understanding True Power 40:03 Mental Health and Vulnerability 45:53 Speed Round 56:25 Knafeh and Final Thoughts *Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions of Dustlight Productions, Watermelon Pictures, or any of their affiliates, employees, officers, or representatives. These companies do not endorse or take responsibility for any statements made during the podcast. Follow the Show: 📸 Instagram: @theseedsfm [https://www.instagram.com/theseedsfm/] 🎥 Presented by Watermelon Pictures [https://www.watermelonpictures.com/] 🎙️ Produced by Dustlight Productions [https://dustlight.co/] Follow Alana Hadid:  IG: @lanzybear  TikTok: @alanahadid [https://www.tiktok.com/@alanahadid?lang=en] Follow Kendrick Sampson:  IG: https://instagram.com/poppyliu@kendrick38 [https://www.instagram.com/kendrick38/?hl=en] Credits: Host – Alana Hadid Showrunner & Executive Producer – Misha Euceph Executive Producers – Badie Ali, Hamza Ali Associate Producer – Munir Atalla Producer & Researcher – Sarah Moawad Editor, DP, & Sound Engineer – Mike O’Brien Intro Sequence Director – Mahnoor Euceph Production Designer – Kendra Bradanini Art Assistant – Noor Salim Design – Alicia Tatone Composer – Andy Clausen Intro Colorist – Chehade Boulos Tech – Randy Burgess Marketing – Kristina Ferris & Daniela Sapkar Special thanks: Lighthouse Studios, Jack Menzies, Gordy Michie, Isabella Calderon, Sammy Strittmatter, Chrissy Maron, Sara Mengesha, Edwin Henry.  #TheSeeds #KendrickSampson #AlanaHadid #Masculinity #MentalHealth #SlowLiving #BlackCulture #Palestine #Gaza #Texas #Insecure #HBO #IssaRae #BootsRiley #ImAVirgo #Art #Acting #Activism #Power #Community #Nature #Neighbors #Technology #Isolation #Loneliness #Convenience

Melissa Barrera: From Soap Operas to Horror Queen | The Seeds with Alana Hadid

Host Alana Hadid talks to actress, Melissa Barrera, about the actress’s life purpose and her inspiring journey — from growing up as a tomboy in Monterrey, Mexico, to breaking barriers in Hollywood as a leading Latina actress to speaking about Palestine. In this episode, Melissa opens up about her identity, her rituals, and the ghosts (metaphorical and possibly literal 👀) that she’s carried with her through life and into every role. From In the Heights to Scream, she’s more than a breakout star — Melissa’s redefining what representation looks like on screen. Chapters: 00:00 Growing up with motorcycles 00:22 SKIP INTRO 01:15 Melissa: A Tomboy 03:07 From Tomboy to Limited Too 05:41 Bilingual Upbringing 10:29 Who is Melissa Barrera? 17:00 Rituals and Daily Habits 22:47 Journey in the Entertainment Industry 34:39 Reflecting on a Vida 35:05 Championing Latin Representation 36:31 Navigating Hollywood's Limitations 38:00 Breaking Stereotypes in Casting 39:17 Embracing the Horror Genre 42:04 Melissa's Superstitions 44:01 Advocating for Palestine 47:29 Angel Cards 52:11 Speed Round 01:09:25 Concluding Thoughts and Gratitude *Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions of Dustlight Productions, Watermelon Pictures, or any of their affiliates, employees, officers, or representatives. These companies do not endorse or take responsibility for any statements made during the podcast. Follow the Show:  📸 Instagram: @theseedsfm  🎥 Presented by Watermelon Pictures  🎙️ Produced by Dustlight Productions Follow Alana Hadid:  IG: @lanzybear  TikTok: @alanahadid Follow Melissa Barrera:  IG: @melissabarreram Credits: Host – Alana Hadid Showrunner & Executive Producer – Misha Euceph Executive Producers – Badie Ali, Hamza Ali Associate Producer – Munir Atalla Producer & Researcher – Sarah Moawad Editor, DP, & Sound Engineer – Mike O’Brien Intro Sequence Director – Mahnoor Euceph Production Designer – Kendra Bradanini Art Assistant – Noor Salim Design – Alicia Tatone Composer – Andy Clausen Intro Colorist – Chehade Boulos Tech – Randy Burgess Marketing – Kristina Ferris & Daniela Sapkar Special thanks: Lighthouse Studios, Jack Menzies, Gordy Michie, Isabella Calderon, Sammy Strittmatter, Chrissy Maron, Sara Mengesha, Edwin Henry. #TheSeeds #MelissaBarrera #AlanaHadid #Scream #IntheHeights #Latino #Latina #Latinidad #Latinx #LatinAmerican #Mexican #Spanish #Motorcycles #Acting #Celebrity #Hollywood #Gaza #Palestine #Representation

Hasan Piker Breaks Down Streaming, Socialism, and Internet Hate | The Seeds with Alana Hadid

In this episode, host Alana Hadid sit down with Hasan Piker — political streamer, political commentator, and king of thirst traps — to talk about the day-to-day behind streaming, dodging online death threats, and the role of luck in life. From his early days working in Hollywood to becoming one of the internet’s most-watched political voices, Hasan shares unfiltered stories about burnout, fighting with Donald Trump and Elon Musk, and that one time he accidentally created chaos on stream with a wild slip-up. Plus, a surprise arm wrestling contest.  Chapters: 00:00 Discovering a Shared Past 00:22 SKIP INTRO 00:58 Life as a Club Promoter 02:38 Academic Pursuits and Cultural Insights 03:06 Arm Wrestling Challenge 05:29 A Day in the Life of a Streamer 09:47 Balancing Work and Social Life 15:28 Speed Round: Quick Questions 22:23 Unexpected Follower Drama 22:41 Favorite Conspiracy Theories 24:24 Constitutional Amendments and Enforcing Laws 25:31 Embarrassing Stream Moments 26:33 Audience Demographics and Influences 28:44 Death Threats and Online Harassment 32:25 Socialism and Wealth Misconceptions 39:24 Future Goals and Personal Life 41:21 Tasting Palestinian Knafeh 47:48 Final Thoughts and Farewell *Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions of Dustlight Productions, Watermelon Pictures, or any of their affiliates, employees, officers, or representatives. These companies do not endorse or take responsibility for any statements made during the podcast. Follow the Show: 📸 Instagram: @theseedsfm [https://www.instagram.com/theseedsfm/] 🎥 Presented by Watermelon Pictures [https://www.watermelonpictures.com/] 🎙️ Produced by Dustlight Productions [https://dustlight.co/] Follow Alana Hadid:  IG: @lanzybear  TikTok: @alanahadid [https://www.tiktok.com/@alanahadid?lang=en] Follow Hasan Piker:  IG: https://instagram.com/poppyliu@hasandpiker [https://www.instagram.com/hasandpiker/?hl=en] Credits: Host – Alana Hadid Showrunner & Executive Producer – Misha Euceph Executive Producers – Badie Ali, Hamza Ali Associate Producer – Munir Atalla Producer & Researcher – Sarah Moawad Editor, DP, & Sound Engineer – Mike O’Brien Intro Sequence Director – Mahnoor Euceph Production Designer – Kendra Bradanini Art Assistant – Noor Salim Design – Alicia Tatone Composer – Andy Clausen Intro Colorist – Chehade Boulos Tech – Randy Burgess Marketing – Kristina Ferris & Daniela Sapkar Special thanks: Lighthouse Studios, Jack Menzies, Gordy Michie, Isabella Calderon, Sammy Strittmatter, Chrissy Maron, Sara Mengesha, Edwin Henry. #TheSeeds #HasanPiker #AlanaHadid #Twitch #Streaming #Socialism #Communism #Politics #DonaldTrump #ElonMusk #Palestine #Gaza #Israel #Turkish #YoungTurks #ThirstTraps #WorkingOut